Sen. Mark Villar Senate PRIB file photo / Bibo Nueva España
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Mark Villar on Tuesday called on Filipino vendors “not to abuse” important occasions and refrain from selling their products at a relatively higher price in time for Undas.
“We are expecting an influx of buyers, so please do not abuse this important occasion for our fellow Filipinos. We are together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in appealing to our vendors to fairly sell their products this Undas,” said Villar in a statement.
Villar, chairperson of the Senate committee on trade, commerce, and entrepreneurship, then urged Filipinos to be vigilant to ensure that the products they buy do not violate DTI’s price guide.
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These products are flowers, candles, and food products which include but are not limited to bottled water, glutinous or sticky rice, and sugar.
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“Apart from a safe and orderly celebration of Undas, it is likewise important that we monitor the prices of these in-demand products. Mahalaga po na as we pay respect to our departed loved ones, tayo rin po ay maging mapanuri sa mga bilihin na ating gagamitin sa paggunita sa kanila,” he added.
(It is important that as we pay respect to our departed loved ones, we also be critical of the goods we will use to commemorate them.)
Villar said the public may contact DTI and report complaints on prices of commodities through the agency’s hotline 1384 or any of its social media accounts.