The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Bohol revealed that it issued 64 show cause orders (SCO) to retail outlets, which violated the price freeze order following the onslaught of typhoon Odette.
DTI-Bohol said in its monitoring bulletin released on Jan. 5, 2021, that there are 67 stores which have been discovered allegedly to have violated the price freeze order.
Moreover, DTI added that retailers are mandated to follow the price freeze order as a state of calamity has been declared in Bohol.
The price freeze order means that prices of certain commodities shall be at the same level as they were before the calamity struck.
Among the goods and commodities under price control are basic consumer goods, generator sets, construction materials, and fuel products.
Furthermore, the DTI said that the 67 establishments were given SCO to explain and provide their side of the story regarding the allegation of violation of the price freeze order.
Violators of the price freeze order may face imprisonment for a period of not less than one year but not more than 10 years, or a fine of not less than P5,000 but not more than P1 million.
The DTI urges consumers who may have been victimized by overpricing to file a complaint before DTI office.
According to Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act “prices of basic necessities in an area shall automatically be frozen at their prevailing prices or placed under automatic price control whenever that area is proclaimed or declared a disaster area or under a state of calamity; and a price ceiling may be imposed on any basic necessity or prime commodity considering the impendency, existence, or effects of a calamity.”
The DTI bared that consumers could report any violations of overpricing to mobile 09173005810, tel.no. (038) 501 8260, email r07.bohol@dti.gov.ph or message us at DTI Bohol Facebook Page.
