Cebu mayors warn traders against raising prices

TWO town mayors in Bantayan island warned local traders and commercial establishments against raising prices of basic commodities despite the ongoing price freeze in the typhoon-stricken towns in northern Cebu.
Stores and traders found to be violating the price freeze order won’t have their business permits renewed in January next year, Sta. Fe Mayor Jose Esgana said.
“If they know some businessmen taking advantage of our plight here in Santa Fe, get their receipts for evidence and immediately report them to us,” he told reporters yesterday.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) earlier reported that a number of retailers violated the price freeze imposed in the calamity-hit areas.
Esgana said he hasn’t received official complaints from his constituents as of yet.
Madridejos Mayor Salvador dela Fuente said he already asked the town’s treasurer to warn retailers against raising prices.
The retailers reasoned that transportation expenses forced them to jack up prices of their commodities.
But dela Fuente said they should follow the DTI order even if their operational expenses went up.
Days ago, DTI served notices to 24 retailers for disregarding the price freeze order during their monitoring in the towns of Madridejos, Sta. Fe and Bantayan of Bantayan island.
Under the Price Act, the price freeze only covers basic commodities such as canned fish, marine products, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergents, candles, bread and salt.
Construction materials are also covered in the Price Freeze list under prime commodities. Correspondent Peter L. Romanillos