'Ipinagbabawal na raket': Government warns El Niño profiteers
The national government is keeping a close watch over racketeers who may take advantage of the El Niño phenomenon to manipulate the prices of basic goods and commodities.
Defense Secretary Gilberto C. Teodoro, Jr. said that coordination is now being made with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other concerned government agencies to protect consumers from profiteering.
"We must continue and intensify our close watch over possible fluctuation of prices and supply of basic goods.Let us ensure that adequate supply of basic necessities and goods are available to the general public, especially those in areas hardest affected by El Niño," said Teodoro who also chairs the Task Force El Niño.
“There may be those who will attempt to take advantage of the prevailing abnormal weather phenomenon,” the Defense chief added as he cited President Marcos’ instruction for intervention if necessary.
Marcos earlier issued Executive Order No. 53, which directs the government to streamline, reactivate, and reconstitute the old El Niño task forces under EO No. 16 (s. 2001) and Memorandum Order No. 38 (s. 2019).
The EO also directs the task force to develop a comprehensive disaster preparedness and rehabilitation plan for El Niño and La Niña to provide “systematic, holistic, and results-driven interventions” to help the public cope and minimize their devastating effects.
Earlier, the DTI assured the public that price adjustments were carefully studied and kept to a minimum to ensure that affordable goods are still available in the market.
The DTI is currently publishing latest suggested retail price (SRP) bulletin of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) to inform and guide producers, manufacturers, traders, dealers, sellers, retailers, and consumers.
In its past statements, the DTI encourages consumers to consult and use the SRP bulletin as a guide in making informed purchasing decisions.
The public, according to the department, may refer to the most recent SRP list of basic and prime goods before going to supermarkets and grocery stores. The price guide is accessible via the DTI website.
“Consumers are requested to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell basic necessities and prime commodities above their SRPs via One-DTI (1-384) Hotline or email, [email protected],” it said.