Isko wants explanation from firms which hiked prices of N95 masks amid ashfall

Mayor Isko Moreno threatened with revocation of permits the Manila-based businesses which jacked up their prices of N95 masks in the wake of heavy ashfall caused by Taal Volcano.

In a meeting with city officials on Monday evening, Moreno said he would issue show-cause orders against the medical supplies firms who increased the prices of their face masks.

Failure to satisfactorily explain the steep increase in prices would mean revocation of business permits, the mayor said.

BREAKING: Manila City Mayor @IskoMoreno says he will issue show cause orders vs medical suppliers accused of jacking up prices of N95 face masks.

The Mayor says if they fail to explain themselves, their permits may be revoked for profiteering from a calamity.#AlertoManileno pic.twitter.com/BmQIZ12gha

— Manila Public Information Office (@ManilaPIO) January 13, 2020

People lined up at stores on Bambang Street in Sta. Cruz, Manila on Monday morning to buy N95 masks amid the ashfall brought by the eruption of Taal Volcano.

Most stores in Bambang, a known destination for medical supplies and equipment, no longer have supplies of N95 masks and only have ordinary face masks.

According to the US Food and Drug Administration, an N95 mask gives "a very close facial fit" and is "very efficient" against airborne particles.

It further said that the ‘N95’ designation means that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks at least 95% of very small (0.3 micron) test particles. —NB, GMA News