PRESS STATEMENT OF DTI SECRETARY RAMON LOPEZ ON CHINESE-ONLY ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE PHILIPPINES
May 7, 2019

Senator Panfilo Lacson is correct in calling out Chinese-only establishments that bar Filipinos from entering. Serving only Chinese clients or any specific nationality in a store is a form of discrimination and is not allowed.

There should be language options or translations in these establishments. In China, Japan, and other countries, they even have English translations for menu and signages, to cater to their major emerging markets who do not speak their language.

We have already directed our regional offices to check the stores in their areas. But please report any violating establishment to us through our hotline: 1-DTI (1-384).

ON RETAIL TRADE LIBERALIZATION

Retail is currently reserved for Filipinos if their equity size is US$ 2.5 million and below. Above that amount, retail establishments can be fully foreign-owned. But the pending Retail Trade Liberalization Bill proposes to lower that hurdle rate to US$ 200,000—or the equivalent of a medium-sized enterprise. The goal of this bill is to encourage more investments and jobs creation, while still providing necessary protection to Filipino micro and small entrepreneurs.♦

Date of release: 8 May 2019