By Marjaleen Ramos
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez on Thursday said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is already taking steps to prevent the selling of overpriced alcohol and medical supplies during the current public health emergency. The selling of reasonably priced products online, however, will be encouraged, he added.
Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez (ALFRED FRIAS/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)
“We will encourage ‘yung mga online retailing kasi yung mga patuloy na pagbenta… para tuloy pa rin ang selling activities,” Lopez said in an interview with DZMM Teleradyo.
“Pero ‘yung mga selling ng mga medical devices, alcohol, nakita natin sa internet kahapon nagtaasan, iyon ipagbabawal natin ang pagbebenta ng mga overpricing,” he added.
The trade secretary noted that some of these medical supplies, which are not certified by the Food and Drug Administration, may be ineffective.
"Ang problema pag bumili ka diyan sa online, hindi mo alam kung standard or selyado ‘yung alcohol na ‘yon. Baka diluted na yon, di na effective. Ipagbabawal natin ang pagbebenta ng mga adulterated products," Lopez said.
“Maglalabas kami ng panuntunan doon sa mga online selling ng medical devices," he continued.
Those who will be caught overpricing medical supplies will face profiteering charges, Lopez added.
As of Wednesday, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country has reached 49.
The World Health Organization on Wednesday declared the rising number of COVID-19 infections as pandemic with more than 124,000 cases in 118 countries and 4,500 deaths.