Upon the kind invitation of DTI Regional Director Maria Elena C. Arbon (Reg. 7) to a Dinner Meeting with DTI Sec. Alfredo Pascual in the evening of 23 May 2024 at Cebu Business Park's City Sports Club, PAGASA was represented by its Director Robert Go/Pres.- Prince Retail Group of Companies. There, he was given the chance to shoot three quick questions to the Secretary:

1.) I am congratulated for bringing down prices of goods in the islands yet I am penalized for over-pricing by the DTI order for price freeze. Why is this so?

2.) We are being taxed 12% VAT and heavily taxed by the BIR for other taxes. In fact, many sari sari stores have closed down due to excessive taxation. And yet why are Shoppee and Lazada not taxed up to this day?

3.) Senior Citizens and PWDs are entitled to a 5% discount on certain BNPCs but prime brands for our milk, powdered chocolate beverage and coffee provide us only 2% margins based on DTI's List of SRPs. How will retailers make ends meet?