The government has assured the public that the price and supply of food and other consumer goods remain stable amid typhoon "Rolly."
(Photo by Charism SAYAT / AFP / MANILA BULLETIN)
Presidential spokesman Harry Roque however cautioned unscrupulous traders against taking advantage of the calamity situation by unreasonably increasing consumer prices.
According to Roque, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is closely monitoring prices of basic and prime goods to ensure these are within the suggested retail price (SRP) table during the onslaught of Rolly.
"Ayon sa DTI, generally price and supply of basic necessities and prime commodities remain stable," Roque said during a televised press briefing at the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) headquarters in Quezon City.
"Ang pakiusap ng Presidente sa panahon ng aberya, sana po bayanihan 'yung ating nagbebenta ng mga kailangan ng kababayan sana naman po wag pagsamantalahan (The President's appeal is let us observe bayanihan during this time of calamity. Those selling products needed by the people should not take advantage of the situation)," he said.
Asked if the government will impose a price freeze of basic goods, Roque noted that the suggested retail price would be enforced for the meantime.
"Mayroon tayong in place na suggested retail price. na ang mga lumalabag sa suggested retail price ay mayroon pinapataw ng kaparusahan (We have suggested retail prices in place. Those who violate the suggested retail price will face the appropriate penalty)," he said.