PHOTO: JEOFFREY MAITEM/INQUIRER MINDANAO
COTABATO CITY – Muslim religious leaders here have asked the Department of Trade and Industry in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DTI-ARMM) and other concerned government agencies to protect Muslim consumers from unscrupulous traders, who might take advantage of the fasting month of Ramadan by jacking up prices of basic commodities.
The call was raised as Muslims all over the world prepare for the observance of the fasting month, tentatively scheduled on June 17 or 18, depending on the sightings of the moon.
During their gathering in Davao City for the 2nd national mufti and ulama assembly, the religious leaders made formal their call through a joint resolution addressed to DTI-ARMM.
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They said it has been the experience that prices of basic commodities would more than double during Ramadan.
The assembly participants also requested the ARMM’s Regional Darul Ifta to coordinate with concerned government agencies to correct this practice during the religious event.
They noted that under the Consumer Act of the Philippines, it is a stated policy “to protect the interests of the consumers, in particular against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable acts and practices.”
The muftis and ulama also noted the existing “Bantay Presyo” mechanism of DTI and urged the concerned agency to strengthen the price watch measures.
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is obligatory to able-bodied Muslims, both male and female. The religious practice prohibits eating, drinking and engaging in carnal act from dawn until sunset.