DTI seeks inclusion of rubbing alcohol, sanitizers in basic goods list

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Friday said that rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizers, and personal protective equipment should be declared as basic necessities given the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to Cedric Castillo’s report on “24 Oras,” to have these listed as basic necessities, Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act first needed to be amended.

DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo explained that RA 7581 was signed into law in May 1992 and took effect in June 1992.

“So you can see that this is a very old law and that it needs to be updated,” said Castelo. “This is very important, especially at this time of pandemic, the inclusion of alcohol [and] hand sanitizers,” she added.

Under the current law, the President’s approval is needed when removing an item from the list of basic necessities. Basic necessities include rice, fish, meat, and eggs, among others.

Under the DTI’s proposal, the mandate will be given to the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC). It will also be allowed to add new items to the list.

The DTI also proposed that the NPCC should be given the power to declare a price freeze at any given time, not only for basic necessities but also for prime commodities. This includes flour, fruit, soap, canned goods, and others.

“The current provision includes only, specifies only basic necessities. Prime commodities prices are not frozen in times of emergency. So we propose prime commodities to be included,” she said. — DVM, GMA News