To ensure the compliance of stores and buyers in Central Luzon to price control and Inter-agency Task Force (IATF)guidelines adopted during the Enhanced Community Quarantine, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial offices, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and local government units in the region joined forces in monitoring and checking major stores on April 17, 2020.
All price monitoring teams of the DTI in the seven provinces of Central Luzon conducted the joint inspection with officials of PNP and LGU in their respective areas. During the joint inspections, the DTI team checked the compliance of supermarkets and groceries to the Price Freeze implemented because of the declaration of the Public Health Emergency. It also checked the supply situation of basic goods and prime commodities in major stores. Officials of PNP and the LGU, meanwhile, checked the compliance of buyers and store staff with social distancing measures, wearing of facemasks, provision of sanitizers and disinfectants in the stores and the implementation of the liquor ban throughout the region.
Key officials joined the inspection by DTI, PNP and LGUs. In Aurora, PNP Provincial Director Raul Siriban and Chief PIO Emilio Sison joined the DTI monitoring team, while inBataan PNP PD Jesus Rebua and his staff joined DTI PD Nelin Cabahug in checking the major establishments in Balanga City. In Bulacan, PNP coordinated with the DTI office in checking major supermarkets in the area. In Pampanga, PNP Provincial Director Jean Fajardo led the inspection team together with DTI PD Elenita Ordonio and City of San Fernando BPLO Chief Joseph Garcia. Store officials were also reminded of the guidelines set by the DTI and the IATF on price freeze, bulk buying and anti-hoarding.
Consumers are reminded to report any case of hoarding or overpricing to the DTI through its hotline 1-384 or text 09178343330. Consumers may also look for advisories and send a message to DTI-3’s Facebook page atDTI.Centralluzon or email ask@dti.gov.ph.
