By Mario B. Casayuran Senator Imee R. Marcos on Friday urged the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to investigate whether water refilling stations are complying with price and sanitary standards. Senator Imee Marcos (Senator Imee Marcos Official Facebook Page / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) Marcos, chairwoman of the Senate Economic Affairs Committee, said that the price range of P25 to P35 for a five-gallon container of purified water, with or without a spigot, was ‘’too wide.’’ These stations should comply with standard retail prices (SRPs) and observe prescribed sanitary procedures to ensure safe drinking water amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), she said. “Demand for purified drinking water has gone up during the pandemic, but why is there a huge difference in prices among water refilling stations for the same product?” she asked. Marcos said the DTI must see to it that SRPs are being enforced to prevent profiteers from taking advantage of the public. The lady lawmaker from Ilocos Norte also pressed for monthly bacteriology water examinations and the posting of sanitary permits at water refilling stations. “Besides the huge variance in prices, customers have also been complaining about water containers that did not seem to have been washed thoroughly. Employees should undergo a seminar and get proper training on sanitary procedures,” she said. Water station employees must wear the proper working garments including protective full-body gear, hair nets, face masks, and aprons, she added. “Regular inspections are a must, right down to the water filters being used. Let’s not underestimate the importance of clean drinking water to public health,” Marcos said.