DTI-Bohol finds 67 stores non-compliant with price freeze directive

TAGBILARAN CITY -  The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bohol province  has issued show cause orders to 67 supermarkets and stores.

In its monitoring bulletin on Monday, DTI-Bohol said the 67 stores have been found to be non-compliant with the issued price freeze order.

Maria Soledad Balistoy, head of the DTI-Bohol, said they have monitored a total of 104 establishments in Bohol to check if they have been complying with the price ceiling mandates.

The officials of these establishments were issued "Letters of Inquiry" asking them to explain why they were selling basic necessities beyond the price ceiling implemented by the government. They were given seven hours to reply.

The DTI monitoring and enforcement teams would return to check if their prices have been adjusted. If ever the prices were not change or are unjustified,  a notice of violation, which include corresponding penalties, will be issued.

The local government of Bohol and other provinces have declared a State of Calamity after the onslaught of 'Odette'.

Many supermarkets and groceries in Tagbilaran City ran out of food supplies and water a day after the typhoon ravaged the province.

With this situation, the DTI has been monitoring prices as part of efforts to check whether there are unscrupulous traders who would jack up prices of basic goods in calamity-hit areas.

DTI said violators may face imprisonment for a period of not less than one year but not more than 10 years, or a fine of not less than PHP5,000 but not more than P1 million.

It has advised consumers to report any violations to mobile 09173005810, tel.no. (038) 501 8260, email r07.bohol@dti.gov.ph or message us at DTI Bohol Facebook Page. -- BAP, GMA News