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What Does the PH Gift Check Act of 2017 Means to Bloggers

What Does the PH Gift Check Act of 2017 Means to Bloggers


How many of you (and yes including YOU BLOGGERS AND FREELANCERS) are receiving gift checks, gift certificates, gift cards, vouchers, coupons (both electronic and non-electronic) from various PRs’ and company brands you’ve collaborated with?

Yup, including me and I admit there are many times it is f**king disappointing especially when I was given a gift check from this reputable spa center or salon, but I need to travel 2-hours to visit their place because that’s where the gift check is ONLY VALID.

That is a HUGE WHAT THE F**K MOMENT.

Especially, when I’ve delivered what they have “requested” for social media posts, and guess what?




This is their return of gesture… Clap! Clap!

Worst is, these happen from those “one-time, thank-you collaborations” I’ve got for the hopes of building a good relationship with those brands but ended up NOT RECIPROCATED. It's OKAY I know we can't please everybody...

And when things get worst…

BOOM! The gift checks have an EXPIRATION DATE!

And getting worst, you have to spend it 2-months upon issuance of the gift checks.

WHAT THE F**KKKKKKK!!!

I don’t understand how these PRs’ and brands can sleep with that kind of gestures, knowingly they have supposed to have a proper budget and must pay their collaborators in a decent means…. $$$$

And I thought I have to endure these thoughts forever.

But finally, this will be OVER.

What Does the PH Gift Check Act of 2017 Means to Bloggers

When I saw this post on my Facebook newsfeed, I’m almost jumping with joy!

Because finally the Gift Check Act is now approved and now part of the Philippine Law.

BOOM, Bitches!

I’ve even managed to grabbed and read the signed new law, and I couldn’t help having that wide smile on my almost gloomy day.




What is PH’s Gift Check Act of 2017
The Republic Act 109621, also known as the Gift Check Act of 2017 means that gift checks (gift certificates, gift cards, vouchers, and coupons) shall be unlawful;

• Issuing gift checks that bear an expiry date;

• Imposing an expiry date on the stored value, credit, or balance of the gift check; or

• Refusing to honor the unused value, credit, or balance stored in the gift check.

Thus, any violators of this act shall be obligated to return the unused balance of the gift check within ninety (90) days from the declaration of the violation by the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) and shall be subject to a fine of no less than five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000) nor more than one million pesos (Php1,000,000).

See the link here for the published signed law. (link here)

And my perfect reaction is…..

What Does the PH Gift Check Act of 2017 Means to Bloggers

I know, I know…!

Because I’m also been to that same disappointing feeling each time I’ve got nearly expired gift certificates coming from these various PRs’ and brands, and yeah even dishonoring my gift checks because it's already expired!

Damn, finally this is what I am waiting for.

This reminds me of those many gift checks, all stored and some are still scattered, and I had to patiently sort them all out, which of those can I still use.

After all, those gift checks are not technically gifts or tokens. They are PAYMENT FOR JOBS I’VE RENDERED AND COMPLETED.

And yes, because of my awesomely good faith, I accept those gift checks because I am that nice.


There are only a few brands I’ve worked with, which I received gift checks that don’t bear an expiry date.

What Does the PH Gift Check Act of 2017 Means to Bloggers

Just like this gift card Penshoppe gave me in 2016 and after a year before I’ve managed to use it because I rarely visit their store, lol. BTW thank you Penshoppe!

And also from H&M, it took me two years before I used it!

And also UNIQLO Philippines, but all my gift certificates from them are spent immediately and staying with me for a longer period because they have many branches near my places, and they also have awesome collections then.

What Does the PH Gift Check Act of 2017 Means to Bloggers

However, the most notorious gift certificates with expiration dates that I’ve received frequently are the gift certificates coming from spa brands with mostly only have a validity of up to 6-months!

Yeah, that was awful, and they will let you drive to their farthest branch to avail yourself that GC.

Duh!

What Does the PH Gift Check Act of 2017 Means to Bloggers

This is what I’m telling you about! I’ve got these gift cards last October 2017, and see, these only have 3-months validity!

When I saw these again like a week before it expires, I felt disappointed realizing that it only have short-term validity. Luckily, there’s the nearest branch in my area, which I’ve got these goodies.

What Does the PH Gift Check Act of 2017 Means to Bloggers
Well, at least I enjoyed shopping at their store. And yeah reviews coming up soon!


Where can I file a complaint about it?
For complaints about this violation, you may direct to DTI – Department of Trade and Industry.




I am so happy that the Gift Check Act is now a LAW


And I know that not only bloggers like me who are happy about it, of course including all the consumers. Somehow, this is quite a big deal for me because, without this law, the issuing of gift checks with expiry dates will not stop, and continue to be abused.

So here’s my last message for those who are planning to give us gift certificates for the next gig..

What Does the PH Gift Check Act of 2017 Means to Bloggers

And here’s another TIP:

Why not put cash inside those hongbao (red envelopes) just like Chinese and Japanese people do.

Seriously, I would be pleased about it.


xoxo, Blair





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116 comments :

  1. Always noticed the expiry date after the date... huhuhu so sad

    ReplyDelete
  2. How nice that you get those so often, I barely get any! But so happy for you, no more expiry date!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, well hope this new law will be strictly implemented.

      Delete
  3. I fully agree with your point of view

    ReplyDelete
  4. totally agreed on what you share hehehe..
    and proud of u been get the gift card :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh thank you! Most PR and brands here prefers to give gift certificates or gift cards, so that the receiver will visit their branch again and hopes for another promotion of what they have availed. #truth

      Delete
  5. Lucky you. Just loved the collection of experiences you shared.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I didn't know about these! I don't think they happen as often in America. I'll sometimes get asked to review a place for a gift card, but if it's too far away I decline.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. Me I accept gift cards if I like the brand and the person who is going to give me. However, most instances we didn't know that gift cards will be given as compensation, and you'll ended-up being stuck in-between.

      That's why I said in my end post that they shouldn't give me gift cards, but hongbao!

      Delete
  7. I wish all gift cards have no expiration dates. Then we won't have to remember when it expires or get frustrated when we don't use them before expiry dates.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know right?! It is frustration sometimes especially when you are in an excited mode, then the feeling suddenly dropped because of expiration dates.

      Delete
  8. Oh, It seems that you really enjoy using your gift cards before the expiration.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yep, this is a life of a blogger. You have to render he service first and hope that the PR firm will pony up. A gift card with a two month expiry date is definitely a bad one. I am glad that your country now has a gift card law. I wonder if my country has one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Exactly! We'll now I am waiting how strong this law will be implemented. I admit Philippines have tons of amazing laws, but the justice system here are too brittle.

      Delete
  10. Bloggers need to be treated fairly. It's really bad that companies pay all that hard work with GCs that expire! It's good to see a solution for it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. something good to know! here in canada it is illegal to do that so it is quite handy! i really hope it pushes through

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's awesome! I guess the implementation and justice system in Canada is much better than us.

      Delete
  12. Heya Blair,
    That is such awesome news!!! We share the same issues in Singapore and a lot of them are from beauty and lifestyle services too.
    It really makes things more pleasant for consumers so that we don’t have to rush into using the gift checks just cos of the expiry. Hopefully Singapore can learn from the Philippines!
    Xo,
    Everest
    www.everestsays.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Unfortunately freelancers always get abused like they don't need to get paid or what. It's good to know that there's actually such law out there. Thanks for sharing!

    I totally support the idea of money in the ang pow as a token of appreciation! Nothing's more practical than that!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know right! With angpao, you have to be very particular in choosing the right envelope. IMHO gift cards are very non-personal, no thoughts needed.

      Delete
  14. Wow that's the way it goes with gift cards. Wish there was no expiration lol xo, Suzanne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I hope the implementation procedures here in the Philippines are strict. #fingerscrossed

      Delete
  15. HA! I can relate with all the GC expiration dates! I used to look for some people to exchange it with cash!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lucky for you, someone wants to exchange it for cash.

      Delete
  16. I am still new to blogging and have skeptical attitude towards getting free things. So far not bad experience, but I am very picky and don't accept 80% of offered things.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Lucky you! Never dealing with expiration dates again is definitely something that I would look forward to. I think it's awesome that there's a law for this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, you should check if your city have this kind of law. It is important.

      Delete
  18. Ohh, I didn't know about this particular law. Also I didn't want to receive such Gift certificates. I guess it can be a freebie but monetary should also be given as well to compensate even the transportation expenses.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I rarely get these vouchers , I'm happy for you that you get them. But travelling 2 hours to redeem their services was like, huh!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh my this is an awesome law to have come into play! I have to admit I don't take vouchers anymore as we have to declare them same as cash so it isn't worth it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, there are countries who have laws about declaring your income received (yeah including the GCs you've got) for taxing purposes. I am so happy this law have passed, now am vigilant for this.

      Delete
  21. I don't think I've ever done a blog post in exchange for a gift check. But when I am not working for a major blogging clearinghouse, the blog post remains in draft format until I receive payment. I've been burned too many times when actual payment didn't arrive after I published their post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I understand your point.
      In my case, I do accept non-cash but only on case-to-case basis. The most important factor is when that brand or PR are someone who are nice to talk to, and I like their products, the kind of like that hard to be estimated with monetary value.

      But for those PR and brands whom I didn't meet personally and just send me a unsolicited email, and no so personal, then I decline.

      I can make blog posts without them :)

      Delete
  22. Definitely an awesome law to have. They should not expire - you should be able to take your time to use them.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Never got one of these vouchers. No expiration date is great for the customer coz you don't have to rush to buy but i guess the businesses don't like it coz they might have to wait longer for a purchase ahah

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I've been to those kind of anxiety, and I HATE those brands who gave me those.

      Delete
  24. It really would be so frustrating doing your best for a compnay and getting them leads and out to th wpublic just for them to send a not so great gift in return! Especially having to travel 2 hours to somewhere that has an expiration date! That's crazy! I'm glad that it will be different now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL I know right! That kind is very insulting AF.
      Now they can't do it or else they will be penalized.

      Delete
  25. Thanks for sharing. I did not know this. I wish these things didn't have an expiration date, I seem to notice after the date.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hope your city have this initiative as well! This is for the goodness of all consumers.

      Delete
  26. The idea of gift bards expiring is bananas. I always forget I have them....until they've expired.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, well I do hope your city also do something about it.

      Delete
  27. That is interesting and I am so glad that the government has announced this measure. I hope we have something like this in India too :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yeah hope India have it too! This will prevent any issues for all consumers.

      Delete
  28. I cant agree more with you! I hope our country implement this Act Law too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah...
      I do hope that our government will have a strict implementation of this law. Law is nonsense if not implemented strictly and properly.

      Delete
  29. This is super cool! Yeah, I do know that pain. I once got a gift check from a supercool handbag brand but it wasn't available in my city and by the time I made plans to travel to another city (obviously for other purposes), I couldn't use it as it had expired!!! :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh that is so sad!
      And you have already delivered your work, and now you're not compensated because of expired gift card.

      Delete
  30. I hope it will be implemented in Malaysia as well. I was just discussing about this 2 days ago with my sister. I am so pissed off when I know that Jusco vouchers now comes with an expiry date. This is ridiculous since they have already get the payment
    for the vouchers in advance

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. You see, many brands can get-out of their obligation without this law. Some can simple deny your gift cards for no valid reason. I'm glad this is now a law.

      Delete
  31. I think Sodexos will remove the expiration date as per the latest news. Good for every Filipino then.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just inquired from our other department (coz they just bought Sodexo GCs), and there is a printed words on GCs saying "for revalidation after December 31, 2019"

      Am not sure if this is a renewal, or something else.

      Delete
  32. Oh wow, that's awesome that a law was actually implemented surrounding this. I had no idea! Hopefully other countries will follow suit. :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. It's been a really long time since I took a Giftcard in exchange for work but I know if I do this is definitely going to be a relief and good to know! Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I've never received an gift cards from company's I've worked for. Lucky you but having to travel so far to use it is ridiculous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually teared it apart when they told me I can't revalidate it! Ggrrrrrhh

      Delete
  35. I agree with you!! How nice that you get those so often, I barely get any vouchers! I'm happy for you that you get them

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I even declined some especially those that they only allowed to be use in their faraway offices, LOL

      Delete
  36. I have never received one of these before but I am sure a lot of my blog buds have. This is some really great news.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I probably wouldn't travel that far to use a gift certificate. Wonderful that has changed. Continue enjoying your gift certificates.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes! If there is no expiration dates then send them over!

      Delete
  38. How awesome of your government to protect your work in this manner! I have never been paid in a gift certificate, but I can imagine the inconvenience if you’re not near a store.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So true! Well some companies are taking advantage of just giving gift certificates or gift cards to bloggers / freelancers because they accept it. Then it becomes a habit and a norm.

      Delete
  39. I've got so many expired gift cards in my purse. I have a £40 worth but to make sure of it I have to pay £18.95 because they're past the expiry date. How ridiculous is that??

    Ami xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh that's a bummer! They've got you additional payment! GGrrrhh not good, dear.

      Delete
  40. I was never given such a gift check to be honest. I request payment from all my sponsors and leave it to that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah I do too, but for some I gave consideration, especially when I like the brand. Most of the time they turn to be abusive bitches.

      Delete
  41. How I wish this could be implemented in my country as well. Many of mine expired...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, there must be a similar law in your city to have fairness to everybody.

      Delete
  42. Speaking of gift cards, I can't wait to get my hands on the gift card that I just won.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Babe! You must get your gift cards asap and consume too!

      Delete
  43. Expiration dates are a pain in the behind. I notice them as well after the date has passed. What is the point of buying something and being confined to a period of time.I'm glad your dates have been canceled.

    ReplyDelete
  44. The giftcard law sounds like a great idea, I don't even understand why a GC has a expiration date it has never made sense to me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I know right! GCs with expiration dates are their means to gain more income (in my opinion) I don't see any sense of it.

      Delete
  45. I usually don't get vouchers but this something to keep in mind when I do. Great info thanks for passing it on

    ReplyDelete
  46. That's great that there is a law to protect your GC payment method. I've only worked for a GC once and probably won't do it again. I prefer to get cash :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Now I prefer cash! That's why if they are TOO SHY to give cash, better out it inside the hongbao.

      Delete
  47. I have never heard of the law and I guess living in the US I would not huh, but how interesting it is. I would rather have money all day every day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, I heard in US there is a cashback, that actually give you real cashback. That's cool!

      Delete
  48. This act sounds fair to bloggers and freelancers.I have many such gift vouchers with expiry dates.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Congratulations! Great news for you. Here in my country companies first have to learn what are blogs, bloggers and only then can we talk about gift cards. Almost gift cards do not exist!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, that should be the case, but here many are trying to cheapen the business.

      Delete
  50. What a shocking way to compensate people for their work! Until I read your post, I'd never heard about them and it makes complete sense to scrap them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah... many brands are saving a lot of money in PR and marketing because of this mode of payment.

      Delete
  51. congratulations , its good for you.. we dont experience gift cards much but you are having good case there.. keep it up

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Ajay, however I might be controlling on accepting gift cards soon, no matter how tempting it is.

      Delete
  52. Completely agree with you! $$$ are any day better.

    ReplyDelete
  53. Totally frustrating, I know. I make it a point to only work with brands for payment now! I put it in my media kit that I don't work for free product etc. I used to until I got way too frustrated. I may not get as much work, but it works for me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree. When they learned that I ignored them if they give GCs, I got less invites but that's totally OK with me!

      Delete
  54. I love your article. It was so fun to read. I have never received gift checks so I don't know much about them. However, the companies issuing expired gift checks is so wrong of them to do so.

    ReplyDelete
  55. I didn't know that it's unlawful to issue gift certs with expiry dates. Here in Malaysia, it's part and parcel of the cert. Yeah, it sucks to receive these and not get to spend them. But then again, as I live out of the capital city, I rarely receive such certs as payment for social media blasts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am glad this is now a law. Hope Malaysia have it as well to protect all consumers.

      Delete
  56. Well I don't get these LOL so I can't relate but I get ya!
    xoxo
    S.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Thank you for this very informative post, I had no idea! I never accept gift checks, but will still be on the lookout anyway. Thanks again, xoxox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah better to be informed. And don't accept GC especially with expiration dates.

      Delete

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