Nearly 400 people have been arrested for alleged profiteering and hoarding of essential products during the country’s public health emergency situation, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said over the weekend.
Lopez said many of these arrests stemmed from the 1,384 complaints raised by consumers to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
With the price freeze order imposed during the state of calamity, Lopez noted that the trade department has partnered with law enforcers to monitor prices of consumer products and take action against those violating the law.
“To date, we were able to arrest already close to 400 violators sa profiteering and hoarding nationwide ‘no. So tuluy-tuloy ang kampanya natin dito so that masigurado natin iyong tamang presyo lamang,” Lopez said over government television last Saturday.
“Many of these leads ay inaaksiyunan na, iyong nakuwento ko kaninang mga naaaresto natin, karamihan po ay galing din sa mga feedback from those complaining,” he added.
Lopez urged the public to stay vigilant and report any unlawful trade practices in their communities. He said the government will continue to take action to ensure consumer protection.
“Nagpapasalamat kami sa taumbayan for being vigilant in these times, and kailangan natin nang mas marami pang ganitong feedback para maaksyunan agad. Kaya madami na tayong napuntahan—actually, over 500 na ang napuntahan at ang mga naaresto, iyon na nga ‘no, mga close to 400 na,” he said.
The government has implemented a price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities since March following the declaration of a state of calamity in the Philippines. The price freeze will remain in effect for 60 days or until May 15.
Under Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act, violators may face up to P2 million in fines and 15 years of imprisonment. (Genalyn Kabiling)