Marcos to DTI, DA: Ensure enough supply of goods amid Kristine onslaught

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has directed the Departments of Trade and Industry and Agriculture to ensure enough supply of goods in areas affected by the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

In a press statement issued Friday, Marcos said the DTI has been keeping an eye on the compliance of sellers as regards price control in areas placed under state of calamity.

''To blunt any attempt at profiteering, the DTI is monitoring compliance with the price control on selected goods imposed in all areas under the State of Calamity, in accordance with the law,'' Marcos said. 

''The DTI is also directed to ensure the unhampered flow of goods in all the affected areas,'' he added.

Further, the President tasked the Department of Agriculture to deploy Kadiwa rolling stores to affected areas so that many people will be reached by basic commodities and goods. 

The DTI has issued a price freeze on basic necessities in areas declared under state of calamity amid the onslaught of Kristine. 

Under the Price Act, a 60-day automatic price freeze is implemented when a state of calamity is declared, covering goods such as canned fish, locally manufactured instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, laundry soap, detergent, and salt.

According to the DTI, violators of the price freeze will face penalties of imprisonment for a period of one year to ten years or a fine ranging from P5,000 to P1 million, or both, at the discretion of the court.

The DTI also urged consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers selling above the prevailing prices.—AOL, GMA Integrated News