CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been investigating on the allegations of irregularities by entrepreneurs after typhoon Yolanda struck Eastern Visayas.
DTI-Leyte Provincial Director Desiderio Belas, Jr., said the DTI central office has been doing the rounds among business establishments in the region since November 15 when complaints were raised by the public against businessmen for alleged overpricing, violation of price freeze, doubling of good’ s prices and shortage of basic commodities.
In its consolidated report, DTI had so far issued four notices of violation to at least three business establishments, as a result of its November 21 monitoring and enforcement activity.
The same operation on Nov. 28 in Palompon, Leyte also yielded similar result, and on Dec. 2 a hardware store in Tacloban City was found to have sold equipment double the original price. “The movement in prices is a basic supply and demand principle,†Belas told The Freeman.
Belas however reminded the public not to be judgmental to the DTI because it covers only 26 kinds of commodities. “Canned goods and some hardware such as plywood are among these,†he said, adding that fresh foodstuffs such as poultry, meat, fish and similar products fall under the Department of Agriculture.
Belas further clarified that the DTI mandate is limited only to registered establishments. “Sidewalk vendors and those selling in excess prices in prohibited areas can be controlled by the local government unit, which has authority over them. The LGU can impose road ordinances or health policies to curb overpricing and impose orderliness in its area of responsibility,†he added. —(FREEMAN)