Palace warns hoarders, profiteers vs. exploiting Middle East conflict

Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang warned hoarders and profiteers against exploiting the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, saying the government will pursue charges against those who take advantage of the situation.

Communications Undersecretary  Claire Castro said on Tuesday that existing laws prohibit hoarding and profiteering, especially during crises.

“Alam naman po natin na may batas sa mga aksyon ng hoarding at profiteering, na inaabuso ang ganitong klaseng sitwasyon na hindi naman kinakailangan na sila ay magtago o lumaki po ang kanilang kita o tubo dahil hindi pa ito napapanahon,” Castro said in a media briefing.

[Translation: We know that there are laws against hoarding and profiteering, which abuse situations like this even when it is not necessary for them to hoard goods or increase their profits because the situation does not warrant it.]

“So, kapag kayo ay nahuli na lumalabag sa batas, nahuli na nag-hoard or umaksyon o gumawa ng profiteering, hindi kayo tatantanan ng ating pamahalaan dahil kayo po mismo ay madedemanda at kakasuhan,” Castro added.

[Translation: If you are caught violating the law, caught hoarding or engaging in profiteering, the government will not let you off because you will face complaints and charges.]

Castro reiterated an earlier warning to businesses following reports that the Department of Energy had issued show-cause orders against 54 gasoline stations for allegedly raising fuel prices prematurely.

She also conveyed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s call for Filipinos to remain united and help one another amid the crisis.

“Ang panawagan ng Pangulo ay magkaisa tayo kung ano po ang nangyayari po ngayon sa Middle East, dapat tayo magkaisa at magtulungan. Ang gusto po ng Pangulo ay magtulungan tayo. Kapag kayo ay nagsamantala, mayroon po kayong kalalagyan. Kayo po ay madedemanda at maaaring matanggalan po kayo ng pagkakataon na kayo ay makapagnegosyo,” Castro said.

[Translation: The president’s call is for us to unite in light of what is happening in the Middle East; we should work together and help each other. That is what the president wants. If you take advantage of the situation, you will face consequences. You may be sued and could lose the opportunity to continue your business.]