Eighteen retail establishments may face fines of up to P300,000 for overpricing N95 and surgical masks at the height of the eruption of Taal Volcano.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in a statement over the weekend said the notices of violations (NOVs) issued to the 18 establishments ripened to formal charges of violating Article 52 of Consumer Act particularly for selling N95 at an unfair or unconscionable price and for taking advantage of the situation.
This was after the DTI found the explanation submitted by the 18 establishments unacceptable
Following the eruption of Taal Volcano on January 12 which affected not only CALABARZON but surrounding areas including Metro Manila, the DTI received reports on alleged overpricing of face masks such as N95, surgical, and other similar masks by some establishments.
Enforcement activities were conducted in on January 13 and 14 in Bambang, Manila covering 17 establishments, 12 of which were issued NOVs. The DTI conducted another round of enforcement activities on January 15, and another six establishments were issued NOVs for overpricing.
The DTI reported prices of N95 masks jumped from P50 up to P180 per piece and most establishments monitored were claiming that those products were already sold-out due to the increased demand.
