On 7 November 2019, Senate held a public hearing to discuss how online businesses should be taxed. PAGASA Pres. Steven T. Cua was seated between Atty. Cyril Alfred Castro of Lazada, Phils. and the Senior Adviser of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Mr. John Forbes.  The Meet was exploratory in nature.  Photo taken after the session included the Chairman of the Phil. Retailers Assn., Atty. Paul Santos (in blue), Vice Chairman Roberto Claudio, PRA staff Mayan Sangil and Consumer Rights Advocate Joaquin Ma. Tamano, Jr. who represented Laban Konsyumer Inc.

 

The Association held its 4/Q General Meeting at Ayala Mall Makatii Circuit on 30 0ctober 2019 with guest speaker Tax Law expert Emelino T. Maestro at this Taiwanese restaurant on 4/F. Some members of PAGASA were having problems with the Bureau of Internal Revenue; thus, the lecture on tax laws and what to avoid to run businesses more smoothly.

At the General Meeting held at the Ayala Mall Makati Circuit on the eve of 30 October 2019, the members voted into office the new set of Board of Directors of PAGASA for 2019-2021.

DTI hosted the 2nd Consumer Welfare Congress at the Manila Hotel on 25 October 2019.  Stakeholders like PAGASA were invited to grace the occasion and the lady of the hour was Undersecretary Ruth Castelo. Every October is celebrated as Consumer Welfare Month.

STC missed this year’s Opening Ceremonies but decided to pay this annual Agri-Business Trade Show a visit on the eve of 3 October 2019.  This is the biggest trade event for businesses in agriculture. The outside exhibitors brought prized livestock as well as interesting fowl for the public to consider breeding these as a business.

 

In d morning of 26 September 2019, the Senate Committee on Trade and Industry chaired by Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III held a hearing to review the current minimum investment requirement for foreign retailers interested in setting up business in the country.  Unlike in the lower house, stakeholders were given a fair chance here to air their stand on the review of the said Law.  Attending for PAGASA were its President Steven T. Cua, Vice President Liansel Sy and Treasurer Jon Mykel Teodoro. The Team took the opportunity to have shots taken with Sen. Pimentel and Franklin Drilon aside from the other stakeholders from PRA.

 

 

 

The Committee on Trade & Industry chaired by Rep. Wesley Gatchalian held a review on the minimum investment required by a foreign retailer to enter the Phil. market on 24 September 2019.  PAGASA was represented by STC and former VP Fred Gravador of Simplicity Ministop.  PRA came in full force too.  However, STC was not given a chance to air PAGASA’s position despite his raising his hand four times to signify that he wanted to take the floor.  In fact, erstwhile Rep. Allan Benedict Reyes of QC’s 3rd District who sat beside STC subtly suggested to him to butt in and say “Your honor…” but the piercing look on Chairman Gatchalian’s eyes seem to be saying “one more raising of your hand, Mr. Cua and I may cite you for contempt!”  The session was slanted to accept a minimal $100,000 minimum investment as a reasonable amount for foreign retailers to enter our market!  PAGASA had opted for a minimum of $1.5 M.  After the session, attendees had a picture opportunity with STC’s cousin Rep. Junie Cua of Quirino Province.

 

On 20 September 2019, STC was interviewed by GMA-7's Raffy Tima on the issue of planned ban on plastic bags by the Quezon City government.

At the third co-organizers breakfast meeting set on 19 September 2019 at the usual venue Annabel’s Fine-Dining Restaurant, this year’s show chairman was Sandy Javier of Andok’s Chicken fame who graciously hosted a trip to his farm for Agrilink co-organizers.  PAGASA was honored to act as Agrilink, Foodlink, Aqualink’s show chairman in 2007.

 

 

On the afternoon of 17 September 2019, the QC Legislative Council held a Public Hearing on the handling of single-use plastic bags. STC, Susan Lim (JC Plaza) and Lalaine Garces (GL Supermarket) attended in behalf of PAGASA but were prevailed upon by the representatives of SM, Jollibee, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut and other retailers who opted for the ban of single-use plastic bags in QC!  Granted that all who attended are aware of the debilitating effects of plastic bags to our environment, banning its use did not consider alternative forms of packaging for taking out groceries/food from establishments. The Ordinance is to take effect on 1 January 2020.