TAKING ADVANTAGE | DTI taps PNP to help monitor alleged overpricing after Typhoon Odette

December 22, 2021 , 03:03 PM

By Beatrice Puente

(December 22, 2021) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) is closely working with government agencies to arrest individuals who take advantage of the situation after Typhoon Odette to sell overpriced goods and commodities, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Wednesday.

DTI undersecretary Ruth Castelo said they are focusing on resellers who double or triple the cost of food, water, and other basic manufactured products in affected areas. She added that the Department of Energy is already monitoring fuel costs following similar reports of overpricing.

“‘Yung PNP, naka-assist sa atin. They are very much willing na sumama sa monitoring and enforcement activities natin sa damaged sites. Sila ang mag-aaresto,” said Castelo on Ted Failon and DJ Chacha sa Radyo 5.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday declared a state of calamity in six regions battered by Typhoon Odette, thereby putting a price freeze in effect following the 1992 Price Act.

Sen. Kiko Pangilinan and Senate President Tito Sotto III, who are both running for vice president, have earlier called on Duterte and the DTI to intervene after local reports revealed that prices have increased in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Castelo said they will only issue warnings on first offenders but those caught for the second time will be apprehended.

“Some people have the tendency na hindi mo maiwasan, medyo nagte-take advantage sa opportunity na ganyan,” said Castelo. “We will not hesitate to take action kahit na ‘yung nagmamakaawa dahil damaged din sila o biktima rin sila na gusto lang kumita. ‘Di natin talaga titigilan after the warning we issued.”

Several posts on social media have complained about the overpricing, with some angrily calling out the “opportunists.”

Most groceries and supermarkets in typhoon-stricken areas have remained closed, according to Castelo, making it difficult for the people to access their basic needs. Castelo said the DTI is urging these businesses to reopen within the week.

She added that manufacturers of construction materials and generator sets have already committed to continuing operations. However, she noted that even these products are also being sold at a higher cost.

“‘Yung malalaking hardware that have presence also in the damaged sites, hindi sila magtataas. Hindi sila gagalaw. Kaya lang ‘yung nagre-resell nga, doon naman tayo nagbabantay,” said Castelo.

Castelo reminded resellers to avoid imposing unreasonable prices since thousands of people are reeling from the impacts of Typhoon Odette. She added that violators could face imprisonment and a fine of up to P300,000.

“It’s a violation of the Consumer Act naman kaya naka-ready rin ang mga tao natin to arrest them or to apprehend them para ma-file-an ng kaso,” warned Castelo.

Presidential Communications Operations Office secretary Martin Andanar, meanwhile, earlier reported that looting has already happened in some areas due to the desperation of affected residents to get basic needs.

(PM)

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