DTI not keen on monitoring sari-sari stores

Even if consumers are now starting to feel the impact of the expanded value-added tax (EVAT), the Trade Department is not keen on keeping an eye on sari-sari and convenience stores. Trade undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya said consumers who feel such stores are selling goods at too-high prices should instead report violations to a 12-hour hotline. “If you feel that you are being cheated, call our hotline at 7513330. We have operators manning it from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.," Maglaya said. She said manufacturers of several basic consumer items already informed the trade department of their decision to hike prices because of the EVAT. The EVAT, whose legality the Supreme Court upheld late last year, took effect last February 1. It was raised from 10 to 12 percent. Maglaya said the trade department’s consumer welfare group will continue to keep an eye on supermarkets instead of on sari-sari and convenience stores. She explained that sari-sari stores usually buy their supplies from supermarkets, and sell products at a “slightly" higher price. “If you have complaints about the prices in sari-sari stores, I suggest you call the hotline. Usually, owners of sari-sari stores sell their goods at a slightly higher price," she said. On the other hand, she said convenience stores have higher prices to cover the overhead costs caused by 24-hour operations. “They are there for emergency purposes, they just have to do it," she said, referring to the higher prices they charge for their goods.-GMANEWS.TV