• CHERYL G. CRUZ
Vendors and business owners in Bacolod City must adhere to the DTI’s suggested retail price (SRP) for basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) amid projected increases due to continuing tensions in the Middle East, the Sangguniang Panlungsod said April 15.
The city’s Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC), with the City Legal Office, market supervisors, and the police, must also conduct aggressive, unannounced, and regular price monitoring and inspection campaigns across all commercial hubs and public markets in Bacolod to deter overpricing, tampering of weighing scales, and non-compliance with the law, the SP stressed in approving the resolution authored by Councilor Em Ang.
“There is an urgent need to protect the consuming public of Bacolod, particularly the marginalized and low-income sectors, from unscrupulous traders, middlemen, and retailers”, who may implement arbitrary, unjustified, and illegal price hikes, Ang said.
The SP said that supermarkets, wet markets, grocery stores, pharmacies, and retail establishments should strictly adhere to the authorized price increments and the prevailing SRP released by the Department of Trade and Industry.
It warned all business owners and vendors that those found engaging in hoarding, profiteering, or exceeding the DTI-mandated price ceilings shall face the full force of the law, including fines as prescribed by the Price Act.
“Upon verified reports and recommendations by the LPCC or the DTI, the Office of the City Mayor is strongly urged to initiate administrative proceedings against erring establishments which may result in the immediate suspension, or permanent revocation of their Mayor’s Permit and License to Operate,” the SP said.
DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said in a statement April 15 that prices of BNPCs remain unchanged until the end of this month, even as she emphasized intensified nationwide monitoring and enforcement of SRPs to prevent profiteering amid the ongoing energy situation.
The SRP guides are accessible via DTI platforms, like at https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1257073763263517&set=pcb.1255264420111118.
The DTI has jurisdiction over processed canned fish like sardines and tuna, bottled water, instant noodles, instant coffee, powdered milk, loaf and pandesal, powdered and liquid detergent, bath soap, salt, candles, vinegar, soy sauce, and batteries.
It urged consumers to always check the price tags before purchasing, compare prices with the latest SRP guide, keep receipts for reference, and to report overpricing or violations to the DTI. | CGC
