Lagman to make gulaman out of credit card surcharges

Here’s a bit of relief for credit card owners. Rep. Edcel Lagman of Albay introduced House Bill 1253. Our Batasan Ear-spy reported that HB 1253 seeks to prohibit retail shops from imposing extra charges on goods or services paid using a credit card. Under the bill, erring retailers face six months to one-year imprisonment. If the store is owned or operated by an alien, he will face summary deportation after finishing the prison term. Lagman said the retail price of goods or services must be the same, whether paid for in cash or via credit card. "It is bad enough that cardholders are already being weighed down by excessive interest charges, oppressive late financing charges and unnecessary annual membership fees," Lagman stressed, adding that cardholders eventually pay the bill with hard-earned money so they must be protected from unjust charges and abusive trade practices. According to the Credit Card Association of the Philippines, an estimated 3.85-M Filipinos carry credit cards. At present, those credit card surcharges hang on people’s heads like a menacing Saruman. Lagman’s HB 1253 will certainly make gulaman out of them.

Underling eyes DOTC top post

The jockeying for Cabinet positions seems to be the government sport du jour. Our transport Ear-spy would like to emphasize that an undersecretary in the DOTC naturally doesn’t want to be left out. According to our Ear-spy, Mr. Underling has allegedly been showing very special concern for Cebu-based transport groups and organizations, believing that they have the ear of President GMA. He has reportedly been going around Metro Cebu soliciting endorsements and giving special emphasis on his desire to be the Secretary. Mr. Underling just can’t wait to remove the word Under from his title because it is allegedly also his position in his home’s pecking order.

Construction firm hides losses

Our SEC Spy-ring revealed that this construction firm’s share prices have surged amazingly despite an SEC ruling against it in a case involving an aborted project with Realty Development firm (UL) which has links to a senior government banker. The company was informed of the decision a couple of weeks ago, but it has yet to inform its shareholders and the PSE of the SEC ruling. There is a strong possibility alleged our source that the non-disclosure is intentional because the firm wants its share price to finish its price run up first. This is unfair to the shareholders. The company’s huge loss in the case amounts to P4-B. Looks like Mr. Banker’s role will be central to this soon.

The listening post: Will Col. Rowe’s murderers be freed?

The Man from Cavendish heard about a growing concern through the diplomatic grapevine. It seems that an appeal will be made in the next few days for the release of the murderers of Col. Nick Rowe. As a backgrounder, Colonel Rowe was the JUSMAG officer who was shot by NPA assassins on his way to work in 1988. Cavendish reportedly heard Embassy officials regard the release of these murderers as the final nail in the coffin of diplomatic relations. In the wake of the strain caused by the pullout of RP’s humanitarian contingent in Iraq, he hoped that the government is aware of the repercussions on this.

Spy tidbiz: Spy-ring in the Fourth Estate

For the readers’ and for those who monitor this column, please be informed that our ring of Ear and Eye-spies has been reinforced and reorganized. Their numbers have been increased to keep their eyes and ears on those who have something to hide. The days of those who think it is better to look good than to do good are numbered. The Spy-ring has been organized to cover business, politics, the military, the diplomatic corps, and social circles. Now, we have inserted a Spy-ring in newspapers. You know who you are. And so do we.

* * *

Join our ring of Eye-spies by sending your intelligence information, complaints, pictures, and comments to [email protected]

All information will be strictly confidential