Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez issued the warning as reports that drug stores and other establishments have run out of masks, particularly the N95 masks that can filter fine dust.
“The Department of Trade and Industry hereby issues notice to all retailers that we have dispatched teams to monitor and observe the movement of retail prices in the market,” Lopez said. “Those found to have unreasonably increased their prices for gas masks, face masks and other similar items, which act is tantamount to profiteering, shall be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law,” he added.Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo, meanwhile, urged the DTI to immediately impose price caps on basic necessities in Batangas, which has been placed under a state of calamity.
Basel Manadil, known as “The Hungry Syrian Wanderer,” said he bought face masks to give to people who needed them the most. “Went all around the Metro trying to find N95 masks the whole day as it’s sold out almost everywhere!” Manadil posted on social media. “I bought everything I find [that it’s] pricey to give away for free to anyone and bring to Batangas and Tagaytay myself. It’s so sad to see on my news feed that some people sell or buy all stocks and resell them at a very high price as high as P200-400 each mask!”