Manila Bulletin
Imee Marcos tells gov't to move against abusive traders amid nCoV threat
Senator Imee Marcos urged government agencies to take action against traders who might be exploiting the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV ARD) scare by hoarding or price gouging essential goods.
The senator noted that face masks and other hygiene products have become scarce in stores due to panic buying following the confirmation of the Philippines' first 2019-nCoV ARD case.
Marcos specifically called on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to prevent hoarding and implement a price freeze on items like face masks.
She expressed concern that unscrupulous businessmen might be taking advantage of the situation to increase their profits.
In response, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez assured the public that there are sufficient supplies of masks and disinfectants and warned retailers against price increases.
The Philippine National Police also stated that they would arrest individuals who exploit the situation.
The World Health Organization has declared a global emergency due to the increasing number of 2019-nCoV ARD cases worldwide.
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The Philippine National Police (PNP) will assist the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and local government units (LGUs) in monitoring the supply of essential items, including face masks, amidst the novel coronavirus outbreak.
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President Rodrigo Duterte announced that the government is actively procuring more face masks to address the scarcity caused by the global demand driven by the novel coronavirus.
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The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) has called on the Department of Health (DOH) to distribute free face masks to workers, especially those in areas visited by the country's first confirmed novel coronavirus case.
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