As the world is adopting cashless payments, one of the things that remain the same is the additional charges incurred by using credit cards in some stores and businesses. Senator Chiz Escudero wants to scrap all additional credit card charges with Senate Bill 296.

Under the said bill, business establishments will be penalized if they incur additional charges to customers who pay using a credit card. In particular, it has been the practice of some merchandising stores and service establishments to charge a different, albeit higher price, for items bought using credit cards, or to limit bargain sale items and services to those made with cash purchases,” Escudero explained in his bill.

Escudero explains that this practice of imposing additional charges “discriminates against those who cannot pay in cash upon purchase.” “No distinction should be made as to the mode of payment. Such is the right of the consumer,” Escudero adds. Escudero points out that while he understands the right of big businesses to take all necessary steps to ensure profitability, the consumer is always king in the end and that businesses should not impose extra charges on their customers.

Under Senate Bill 296, those who violate the provision shall be punished with six months to a year of imprisonment, fines of Php 20,000 to Php 100,000, or both at the discretion of the court.