No need for panic buying as supply is enough, says DTI's Lopez as ECQ nears

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Sunday called on the public to stop panic buying as there is enough supply of essential goods during the week-long enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) over Metro Manila and nearby areas.

"Paalala lang, huwag mag-alala, huwag mag-panic buying. Maraming food supply, maraming imbentaryo. Kahit nu'ng first time tayo nag-ECQ, walang shortage ng necessities and prime commodities natin," Lopez said on Super Radyo dzBB.

[Don't worry, no need for panic buying. We have a lot of food supply, inventories. Even during the first time we implemented ECQ, there was no shortage of necessities and prime commodities.]

On Sunday morning, shoppers were seen trooping to Balintawak Market in Quezon City and Divisoria in Manila to stock up on necessities.

Meanwhile, the Trade chief also assured the public that cargo and logistics will remain unhampered during the ECQ implementation.

Lopez also reminded essential industries to follow strict health protocols to control the surge of coronavirus disease infections in communities.

The national government on Saturday announced it will place Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna under ECQ from March 29 to April 4. 

This means only a limited number of industries will be allowed to open and only essential travel will be allowed. —KG, GMA News