The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is set to issue a memorandum to all stores, bazars and malls in Zamboanga City for control and equitable distribution of basic and prime commodities to its consumers.
DTI Regional Director Ceferino Rubio said their office is allowed to impose rationing of goods in anticipation of panic buying here in the city.
“R.A. 7581 or the Price Act of the Philippines mandates that all implementing agencies are allowed and empowered to execute functions in order to control the flow and prices of basic commodities in the event of calamity. We are empowered to save the lives of the less fortunate consumers,” Rubio said.
Rubio called the people not to go on panic buying as he assured them that within three days all commodities will be available in the various department and retail stores.
The government assured the flow of traffic of goods to the city, Rubio claimed.
The military and police manning the checkpoints should adopt a scheme in identifying the occupants of trucks and should be instructed to refrain from impeding the truck’s delivery of cargoes.
“Stop panic buying. We have enough supplies of prime commodities”, Rubio assured.