October 1 , 2019
Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship
Philippine Senate
email : kalakalsenado@gmail.com
Attn.: Ms. JingleConcon-Allam
Committee Secretary
Re: SB s Nos. 761, 196, 656, 436/745/1000, 368/679
Sir/Madam :
The Laban Konsyumer Inc. , a non stock and non profit consumer advocacy group is a registered entity, a recognized consumer organization of the Department of Trade and Industry and a full term member of the Consumers International .
On SB 761, we fully support the mandatory requirement of Timbangan Ng Bayan in all markets as defined in the Bill, including the prohibition on tampering of weights and measures and the imposition of hefty administrative fines of 50 thousand to 300, 000 pesos .
On SB 196, one of the basic rights of the consumers is the right to safety as well as a healthy environment . The Bill should mandate all concerned agencies such as the MWSS, the LWUA, the LGUs, and the private sector like the water concessionaires and the local water districts to work together to develop an action plan to implement the Bill.
On SB 656, we propose to add as CSR program the Consumer Welfare and subheading Sustainable consumption and Green Energy Programs . We propose that CSR be included in the secondary purposes of registered entities .
On SBs 436, 745, 1000, 368 and 679 , we propose as follows :
First, we propose that Congress propose a broad policy that encourages the establishment , operation , maintainable and security of the car park business amidst the worsening conditions of vehicles that use the public streets for parking .
Second, car park business could start in the neighborhood barangays , villages and subdivisions that will use vacant lots and premises as parking spaces. Local ordinances can issue zoning guidelines of the parking premises . The local barangays or an entrepreneur , can operate , maintain and secure parking premises at terms and conditions the concerned lot owners , Homeowner Associations , the public transport like jeepneys associations including tricycles owners and drivers associations can agree with the local executives . Buses normally enters into leases on vacant premises as their parking terminals .
Third, in the cities , commercial and government centers , business should be encouraged to establish and operate more private and commercial parking structures on vacant premises at no cost to the local government unit . The concerned local government unit should extend all support to the entrepreneur entering the car park business.
Fourth , the applicable rates and schemes proposed in the various bills can be harmonized . There could be no one formula that fits all types of commercial parking premises. Local government units that can afford to offer discounts to parking fees for certain sectors of the society should be allowed to do so but should not be mandated as such. We are oppose to provide fines and penalties in the conduct of the car parking business.
Fifth, big operators of parking buildings in malls and other commercial establishments, including hospitals , should provide disclosure to Congress on whether their existing rates are subsidized by the amounts they collect from their tenants. The disclosure is relevant in the crafting of applicable rates on the matter .
The Laban Konsyumer Inc. expresses our appreciation to the various sponsors of the Bills for the opportunity to submit our comments , as well as conveying our desire to continue our participation in the deliberation of the various bills.
In fine, we support the enactment of all the above Bills.
Thank you for the opportunity to submit our comments.
Very truly yours,
Atty. Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba, AB, LLB, LLM
President