Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 14) — President Rodrigo Duterte said he would talk to Health officials about setting a price cap for face masks, amid reports of overpricing.
Speaking to media in Taguig Monday, Duterte said he would not be surprised if prices of face masks go up following the eruption of Taal Volcano on Sunday, but sellers should not take advantage of the situation.
“I am not surprsed kasi itong mga negosyante, if the demand is high then magkakaroon tayo ng medyo magkulang [ I am not surprised because, with sellers, if the demand is high and if stocks run low], then the prices go up. Or the worst thing that they can do, if they have enough supplies and yet they’re selling it at prohibitive prices already. So I’m setting the limit,” he said.
Duterte said he would take up the matter with Health Secretary Franciso Duque III on Tuesday.
“Mura naman ‘yan bakit… do not hoard it. Pag tinago niyo then I will be forced to order na pasukin ka,” he said.
[Translation: It’s so cheap…do not hoard it. If you kept them, then I will be forced to order to raid your store.]
The President also said the government would distribute face masks to those who could not afford it.
“Those who cannot afford masks, we will give it free […] in times of crisis talaga all I can do to manage the situation is [to ask] the military and police,” said Duterte.
With ash reaching nearby areas, health officials have advised using an N95 respirator face mask, which protects against 95 percent of airborne particles — such as those spewed by the Taal Volcano in Batangas. But there are several reports that some businesses are hiking prices. Manila City Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said her office has received complaints that N95 masks were being sold for ₱200, from the previous ₱30.
“Those found to have unreasonably increased their prices for gas masks, face masks and other similar items, which act is tantamount to profiteering, shall be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law,” the Department of Trade and Industry said on Monday.
DTI said it has sent out teams to monitor prices.
“DTI will not hesitate to file administrative and criminal charges against unscrupulous business entities and individuals who capitalize on the consumers’ urgent need for their own profit,” it said in a statement.
