CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) partnered with Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in protecting consumers buying emergency medical supplies at this time of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
This is pursuant to Republic Act 7581 otherwise known as the Price Act and Republic Act 11469 or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.
“As of April 2, a total of 87 consumer complaints related to overpriced alcohol, face masks, thermal scanners and other essential medical supplies have been addressed by DTI and referred to CIDG,” DTI Regional Director Judith Angeles said.
Through the joint effort of DTI and CIDG, a total of 2,113 bottles of alcohol has been confiscated from online and physical store sellers because of profiteering, hoarding and other violations of government regulations on selling emergency medical supplies.
“A total of 20 individuals have also been arrested and charged for the violations. Majority of the confiscated supplies (993 bottles) are in the form of 500 ml ethyl alcohol and 1 Liter bottle (301 bottles),” Angeles added.
DTI and CIDG are assisting Department of Health (DOH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in checking hoarders and profiteers taking advantage of online selling and the panic brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.
DOH has issued Circular No. 2020-058 declaring a Price Freeze on Emergency Medical Supplies.
FDA has also issued Circular No. 2020-005 prohibiting the online selling of overpriced medical supplies like alcohol, face masks and thermal scanners.