A number of residents in areas placed under MECQ have recently resorted to panic buying amid fears of not being able to acquire supplies for the lockdown.
Authorities pointed out that panic buying is not necessary since the IATF allows full operations of wet and dry markets, grocery and convenience stores, water refilling stations, and drugstores in areas under MECQ.
The DTI emphasized that the said establishments may operate for up to 12 hours. If the public will not stop resorting to such activities, the DTI may implement a purchase limit.
“We have more than enough, and manufacturing natin (our manufacuting) for food, medical essentials and other supplies are at 100% even in MECQ… Hindi tayo mauubusan kaya relax lang tayo (We will not run out of supply, just relax),” DTI USec. Ruth Castelo assured.
The DA also guaranteed that there is enough supply of rice, meat, vegetables since transport of goods are unhampered.
Meanwhile, the DTI will not yet grant the request of some companies to increase prices of basic goods and commodities. – Report from Cleizl Pardilla
