Mall employee caught selling overpriced noodles online

Authorities have seized P3.5 million worth of overpriced instant noodles that were allegedly being sold online by an SM employee, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said on Thursday.

Two people were also arrested although only one was confirmed to be an SM employee. They would face charges either under the Price Act or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.

Together with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group of the Philippine National Police, the DTI had recovered 6,000 boxes of Lucky Me Instant Noodles being sold online at P9.50 per pack.

Under the current prize freeze of basic necessities, however, each pack should cost only P7.75.

Asked for further information, DTI-Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said an SM personnel was involved.

“We suspect [an] SM personnel [was] selling them at a higher price elsewhere. [The suspect] was [caught in a buybust] operation by the PNP with DTI,” she added in a Viber message.

“The seized goods are in the custody of the Assistant Vice President of the Legal Department of SM Investment Corporation at the SM Southmall. The CIDG is investigating this case further,” the DTI said.

Asked for comment, SM said it was not involved in the online resale of overpriced items. “We are fully cooperating with the DTI in its ongoing investigation. The company is compliant with all price regulations and supports the government in protecting consumers,” it said.

“The incident is outside of SM supermarket and none of its personnel are involved. The SM person mentioned was from another affiliate which has no role in SM supermarket,” SM added.

The DTI asked consumers to always check the issued Price Freeze of Basic Necessities in their area through its website.