DA cracks down on Metro Manila retailers of overpriced red onions

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has apprehended retailers in Metro Manila markets for overpricing red onions.

The DA said it conducted intensified price monitoring and inspection in Metro Manila markets from Feb. 14 to 16, leading to the arrest of two retailers at the theMuñoz Public Market and Commonwealth Market on Feb. 14 for violating the suggested retail price for red onions.

On Feb. 15, five vendors were also found selling overpriced onions ranging from P140 to P250 per kilogram at the Quinta, Obrero  and Balintawak Markets.

“A Notice of Violation was handed by DA inspectors to owners of three stalls in Balintawak Public Market and two stalls in Quinta Market,” the DA said in a statement.

On Feb. 16, DA busted two vendors in the Mega Pasig Market for selling onions without price tags.

What’s even worse, eight other stalls were found to be overcharging for commodities.

To protect consumers, the DA set the standard retail price of imported red onions at P125 per kilogram to combat the supply shortage and price hikes for agricultural products.

“Rest assured that the Department will bolster its effort in curbing price manipulation and other market abuses,” Assistant Secretary  James Layug said.Under Republic Act No. 7581, better known as the Price Act, consumers are protected by stabilizing the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities and prescribing measures against undue price increases during emergencies and natural or man-made disasters.

gsg/abc