The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assured that it is monitoring entrepreneurs who are taking advantage of the devastation caused by Typhoon Kristine to rake in profits for their businesses.

Acting Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque (DTI photo)

Acting DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque told reporters during a Palace press briefing on Friday, Oct. 25, that the agency is “aggressively” monitoring businesses to ensure that they are following the price freeze imposed by the department in typhoon-hit areas. 
 

“Another thing also na, you know, that we would like to strictly enforce is also iyong mga tao or mga negosyante (the people or entrepreneurs) that are taking advantage of the situation, kasi siyempre kapag may bagyo, alam ng mga negosyante, iyong mga ibang negosyante na puwede silang (because of the typhoon, some entrepreneurs can) let’s say take advantage ng (of the) situation,” she said.
 

“So, the Department of Trade and Industry is on top of this also. So, we are aggressively price monitoring. We are also aggressively checking na lahat ng mga presyo ay tamang presyo para sa mga consumers natin especially those na nasalanta badly by the bagyo (all prices are the right prices for our consumers especially those badly hit by the typhoon),” the official added.
 

Roque also said the department will soon publish the exact number of businesses that they have monitored were profiteering from the typhoon.
 

“There are different penalties for these, it depends on the gravity ang (the) penalty. But again, we will, we will give you the information on this,” she furthered.
 

Meanwhile, she also said that the DTI has been aggressively coordinating with supermarkets and convenience stores to ensure that they have ample supplies and there would be no shortage for consumers.
 

“Actually, DTI is working with the different agencies or other departments of the government to be able to get the goods around. But we’ve also spoken to the large establishment, let’s say SM, Robinsons, the bigger one, they are able to get the goods out there. So far, okay naman (it’s okay),” she added.
 

While the official cannot deny the possibility of food shortage, she stressed that the DTI is “aggressively putting the food and everything out especially the basic necessities.”
 

The DTI also imposed a 60-day price freeze on all the basic commodities in the areas badly hit by Typhoon Kristine.