Senator Sherwin Gatchalian.
MANILA -- Senator Sherwin Gatchalian on Wednesday said foreign-owned businesses and enterprises that violate the country’s laws should be shut down to protect the interests of both Filipino consumers and business owners.
Gatchalian reacting to reports that a restaurant in Alabang, Muntinlupa City called “China Food City” supposedly prevented Filipinos from entering its premises, claiming it serves only Chinese workers working in online gaming companies.
Gatchalian said a number of laws are in place as safeguards against the encroachment of foreigners on the market space for domestic businesses and enterprises wholly-owned by Filipino citizens.
He cited Republic Act 7042 or the Foreign Investments Act of 1991, which mandates that small and medium-sized domestic market enterprises -- including restaurants and the like -- with paid-in equity capital less than USD200,000 are reserved to Filipinos.
He also said RA 8762 or the Retail Trade Liberalization Act of 2000 categorically states that retail enterprises, like convenience or variety stores with paid-up capital of less than USD2,500,000, shall be reserved exclusively for Filipino citizens and corporations wholly-owned by Filipino citizens.
“I have always maintained that what should be exclusively for the Filipino should be for the Filipino,” Gatchalian said.
Reports also showed an increase in the number of Chinese restaurants operating in Boracay Island which had menus written only in Chinese characters and personnel who are Chinese.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said it will ask the Department of Labor and Employment to probe restaurants and other businesses which exclusively cater to Chinese nationals staying in the country.
Panelo said the Department of Trade and Industry will also address concerns on Chinese investors taking over small and medium-sized enterprises. (PNA)
