Manufacturers, retailers seek lifting of purchase limits

MANILA, Philippines — As the country’s economy reopens, manufacturers and retailers have asked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to remove the quantity limits on certain items that consumers could buy, according to Undersecretary Ruth Castelo.

“We’re still studying if we’re going to remove the purchase limit. Secretary [Ramon] Lopez is still looking into it,” Castelo said at the Laging Handa briefing.

The DTI imposed the purchase limit on certain items during the enhanced community quarantine to prevent hoarding and panic buying.

Purchase limits were imposed on disinfectant alcohol, hand sanitizers, disinfecting liquids, face masks, toilet paper, local canned sardines, instant noodles, bath soap, milk, instant coffee in sachets, mineral water and bread.

—Leila B. Salaverria