(Eagle News) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) warned profiteers not to take advantage of the prices of basic commodities especially those of seasonal or holiday products.
The DTI even asked local government units (LGUs) and market administrators to help them pinpoint and catch those who will take advantage of the situation.
Those who will be caught overpricing will be barred from continuing doing business in the country until they answer the notice of violation from the DTI, according to Trade Undersecretary Ruth Castelo.
“Hindi po sila pwedeng magtinda, ipap-ahold po natin yan sa LGU. Hindi po sila pwedeng magtinda hanggang hindi nila nasasagot yung notice of violation na finile ng DTI,” said Castelo in an interview over Net 25’s Agila Balita Alas Dose.
“Kung ano po yung dahilan nila, doon na nila ieexplain sa atin sa Health Trade Enforcement Bureau. Ito po isa ding mensahe para doon sa trader. Kung totoo yung sinasabi ng retailers na mataas yung kuha nila ay kailangan na rin nilang iaayos,” she said.
Castelo said that the suggested retail prices (SRP) for seasonal products or those used in the holiday season had already been released, including the SRP for chicken and pork which was released on October 8.
With the release of the SRP for these products, the DTI said this list of prices will serve as guide for consumers in buying products. The department also hopes that this would not be taken advantage of by the retailers.
Castelo also said that the public can see the list of the SRP of prime commodities and of the seasonal products on the e-Presyo section of its website at dti.gov.ph .
Through the E-Presyo, consumers can check in the internet the Suggested Retail Prices (SRP) of the basic and prime commodities being sold at major markets and groceries located at different key areas in the four provinces of the region.
The public is also encouraged to report violations using the consumer hotline 1384 of DTI.
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