The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) expressed dismay after finding out that 80 percent of vendors at the Farmers Market in Quezon City are not complying with the suggested retail price (SRP) implemented since February.
Based on their inspection, DA Sec. William Dar and DTI Sec. Ramon Lopez said that although some of them follow SRPs, most have been selling overpriced goods, particularly agricultural products.
“Karamihan (Most), actually chicken [Php] 140 to 130. ‘Yung baboy (Pork) Php 220 to 190. Bangus, maganda may below SRP (it’s better if some are below SRP). May pangilan-ngilan sa isda okay sila (Some fish [prices] are okay),” Lopez explained.
Lopez added that garlic have slightly higher prices, while onions were priced below the SRP.
The vendors said that they get supplies at an expensive price from their suppliers whom officials have addressed.
“Sila ‘yung magbibigay ng mga goods para itinda sa public market. Please naman, tulong-tulong tayo, ngayong panahon ng krisis. Huwag natin itaas ang ibinibigay sa mga retailer (They provide goods to be sold in the public market. Please, let’s help each other in this time of crisis. Don’t raise [the price] of what we give to retailers),” Dar urged.
The agencies will issue a notice of violation to offending stores. In case they fail to comply within two days, the agencies will be forced to file a case against them, and confiscate their products. Suppliers will also be held liable on the matter.
Dar said they are now assessing all markets nationwide to check the prices of primary commodities since the price freeze has been implemented due to the national health emergency.
Dar assured the movements of cargo trucks with food in checkpoints are monitored, while Lopez guaranteed there will be no price increase for canned goods. – Report from Allan Francisco
