Yeah the parking rates are aimed at preserving those spots for retail shoppers.
The average maller is not going to stay for 8 hours, but if the office-goers take up all the space, then that leaves no room for shoppers na.
I hate going to Uptown, I'm supposed to be in and out in less than hour, but all the spaces are taken up by office workers. I say charge them. The rates are just a product of the market.
The offices should provide their workers with parking arrangements or transport allowances. A friend's (foreign company) employer gives them allowance for parking or Grab.
My UF made the mistake of parking at Central Square when we dined at High Street Central. We had a long lunch so she paid P300 for parking. I told her hindi kasama high street central sa validation.