Report profiteering in calamity-hit areas, DTI asks public

The Department of Trade and Industry on Wednesday asked the public to help it go after profiteers jacking up prices of basic goods in areas affected by floods and heavy rain.

 

DTI Consumer Welfare and Trade Regulation Group head Victorio Mario Dimagiba also reminded profiteers they may face fines of up to P1 million if they are caught.

 

"Base sa report ngayong umaga maraming nadagdag na area under a state of calamity. Bukas ang aming hotline 7513330," Dimagiba said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

So far, he said the DTI's monitoring teams have gone to affected areas including Laguna and Cavite, and found the supply of basic goods remained normal.

 

He also said he expects prices of basic goods like the "Pinoy Tasty" bread loaf to remain stable at P37.

Price freeze

 

Many areas in Metro Manila and Luzon had declared a state of calamity after suffering damage from heavy monsoon rain and floods since Sunday. 

 

Under Republic Act 10121, the “Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010,” a price freeze for 60 days will be implemented for basic necessities.

 

Dimagiba said violators face a fine of up to P1 million if they are caught jacking up their prices.

 

"Dadalhan sila ng notice of violation or show cause order. May kaunting proseso," he said.

 

Fuel prices

 

Meanwhile, Dimagiba appealed to oil firms not to increase prices in areas under a state of calamity, or to at least postpone plans to increase prices in those areas.

 

"Siguro delay lang kaunti. Nasa kanila ang desisyon. Sa DTI hindi natin mandato 'yan. DOE (Department of Energy) ang maaring makiusap sa kanila sa negosyante," he said. —KG, GMA News