Many sellers were found violating the price freeze order, according to Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, who visited Farmers Market in Cubao, Quezon City last Thursday together with Agriculture Secretary William for a price inspection.
But supermarkets, such as Wellcome Farmers Plaza and Puregold Araneta, both in Cuabao, were in compliance with the price freeze. They also have sufficient supply on their shelves.
The DTI and DA are closely working with the Department of Health and local government units to ensure the proper implementation of the price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities, essential medicines, and medical supplies as ordered under the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2020-01 issued last March 18.
Following the issuance of the JMC by DA, DTI, and the DoH, prices of all agricultural and manufactured basic goods, essential medicines, and medical supplies were frozen at their prevailing prices for 60 days from the declaration of the state of calamity last March 16 as result of the novel coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic, unless lifted earlier by the President.
Lopez, however, explained that the increase in prices were due to the challenges faced during the first few days of implementation of checkpoints in different local government unit. He assured that the movement of cargoes has been addressed in the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases meetings.
“We are continuously coordinating at the local level, with the help of Interior Secretary Año, to ensure the harmonized implementation of the IATF guidelines on the unhampered movement of cargo. Improvements have been reported since Friday of last week and we expect the continuation of this for the following days,” said the Trade chief.
He added, “After talking to sellers and market masters, we have learned that there are suppliers who sell these goods at the current retail price. In effect, sellers are forced to increase the prices to still gain some profit. This is why we are calling on traders and suppliers to sell goods at a reasonable price in consideration to our local sellers.” (Bernie Magkilat)
