Among the items confiscated were alcohol, hand sanitizers, face masks, and thermal scanners which were being sold at exorbitant prices during the COVID-19 crisis.
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said a total of 123 people have also been arrested from March 18 to 28 for hoarding and profiteering. The arrests were made during 62 operations carried out nationwide by the DTI, National Bureau of Investigation, and the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Lopez said.
“We continue to warn establishments against raising their prices and taking advantage of the COVID-19 situation,” the trade secretary said.
Earlier, the trade department ordered a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities following President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of a state of public health emergency in the country.
Local Price Coordination Councils have also been reactivated to monitor the prices and supply of food and medicines sold during the enhanced community quarantine.
“Our main goal here is to protect our consumers against undue surge in prices, particularly now that the nation is under a state of emergency,” Lopez said.
“When violators raise the price of basic necessities by even just a few pesos, hundreds, even thousands of Filipinos are heavily affected. That is why we ask for the cooperation of all retailers to strictly abide by the directives of the national government,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police also arrested three individuals on Monday for peddling overpriced alcohol and face masks.
“I understand that in difficult times, anyone is likely to do anything to survive—but not like this,” said PBGen Dennis Agustin, director of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group. He added that the police will intensify its monitoring of persons selling medical supplies online and in physical stores.
Those found guilty of violating Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act may be jailed for five to 15 years and may be fined between P5,000 and P2 million.
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, March 31) — Over P15-million worth of overpriced medical supplies have been seized by authorities in separate operations across the country, the Department of Trade and Industry said Tuesday.
