DTI dismisses charges vs 14 Aklan establishments
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL / Manila Bulletin / Panay News

KALIBO, Aklan — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the province has dismissed the charges against 14 establishments earlier charged for violation of Republic Act No. 7581 or An Act Providing Protection to Consumers by Stabilizing the Prices of Basic Commodities.

DTI Aklan Provincial Director Engr. Diosdado Cadena, Jr. said the establishments were just reminded to help prevent unreasonable price increases of basic commodities, especially in times of crises, calamities and emergencies.

“After the typhoon ‘Frank’ hit the province on June 21, 2008, the DTI monitored the prices of basic necessities to protect the consumers from undue price increases, but there were reports of businessmen taking advantage of the situation,” Cadena said.

The DTI issued formal charges on July 8 to 9, 2008 against eight hardwares and six grocery stores and conducted preliminary investigation and adjudication on July 22 to 24, 2008 at the DTI-Aklan Provincial Office.

Cadena also dispatched DTI teams to conduct special price monitoring on basic needs, construction materials and prime commodities with the Philippine National Police and facilitated meetings with retailers for the freezing of prices and to keep the prices of commodities stable.

“DTI is calling for consumer vigilance and cooperation of business establishments in the enforcement of laws on consumer welfare and protection and certain fair trade laws,” he stressed.

Under the Price Act, the penalty for price manipulation is from P500 to P300,000 depending on the gravity of the offense.

It is unlawful also for any person engaged in the production, distribution or sale of goods to engage in hoarding, profiteering, and cartel activities.

Last year, DTI also penalized two business establishments in Kalibo, Aklan under Administrative Case No. 2007-70 for violation of Sections 6.2 and 6.3 of Department Administrative Order (DAO) No.2-2002 on January 25, 2008.