The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Mimaropa appeals to the public to stop the “panic buying” of essential-emergency products as it is not necessary.
Reports of panic buying across the country, including in the City of Puerto Princesa, has reached to the knowledge of the Department but it reiterated that it is not a good solution to stop the spread of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“Patuloy pa rin po ang pakikipag-coordinate ng DOH sa DTI po. Sa ngayon po, we are discouraging the public na mag-imbak ng mga commodities po natin for COVID-19 such as masks, alcohol, mga gamot/vitamins,” a part of situational report of DOH-CHD Mimaropa regarding on the issue.
The health department regional office also asked for the cooperation of everyone and even asked the help from the members of the media to disseminate to the public not to resort to panic buying.
“Mas mainam pa rin po na pananggalang sa sakit ang palagiang paghuhugas ng kamay, tamang paraan ng pag-ubo, pag distansya sa tao na may sintomas ng COVID-19, at pagpapalakas ng resistensya— katulad po ng sinabi namin dati,” the regional office stated.
The DOH further explained that masks are worn only if an individual has cough, colds, or going to visit a hospital or facilities that have cases of COVID-19.
The panic buying of some citizens of necessary items for protection was felt when the DOH lately confirmed rising additional cases of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) that consequently led President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) to declare of a state of public health emergency last March 9. As of press time, there are 49 COVID-19 cases in the entire country.
OVERPRICED ESSENTIAL EMERGENCY MEDICINES IN PALAWAN
In the City of Puerto Princesa and in the Province of Palawan, several screenshot photos were posted on social media group about the online selling of alcohol products that costs double of its original price, a much higher price even the ten percent allowable increase added to the original price.
For instance, a girl posted in “Palawan, PPC Buy and Sell social media page” with a caption telling that she is selling sanitizers of which the 500 mL costs P250 while the 1000 mL alcohol is P300. “Next week arrived, reserve na!” she added.
While on “Batang Puerto Princesa” social media page, some shared a post also selling alcohol with moisturizer which the 1000 mL is priced at P380 and in “Palawan Buy and Sell,” the per gallon/liter of an alcohol product is P1,234.
DOH’S EARLY ‘PRICE FREEZE ADVISORY’
But Price Freeze has been ordered already by the DOH last Jan. 31, 2020 through Memorandum No. 2020-0058 and signed by Health Sec. Francisco Duque III on Essential Emergency Medicines that includes face masks, N95, alcohol, nebulizers among others.
In the said Memorandum, the lowest price for 60 mL of 70 percent solution Ethyl alcohol is only P17.25 while the maximum possible price is P25.50. The 250 mL of it only costs P36.75 and the maximum price is P41.75 while the 500 mL is P61, the lowest price, and P74.25 is the highest price.
Therefore, if the online seller or any mall or convenient store sells the 250 mL at the highest price, that is P41.25, the 1000 mL or the one liter will only costs P167.
And if ever they will sell it based on the price of 500 mL (P74.25), the result will be cheaper because the 1000 mL is only P148.50 compared to the online price of which the 1000 mL alcohol is P300 and P380 for alcohol with moisturizer.
Also, if the purchase will be made by gallon, it should only costs P632.095. A gallon is equivalent to 3.78541 liters and if it will multiply to P167 or for the price of every liter, the cost is less than a thousand compared to the P1,234 online price.
In the same Memorandum Circular, the Department also reminds everyone that the lowest price for face mask is P1.10 when sold per piece and the maximum price is P8 while the N95 is P45 and P105 respectively.
MISINFORMATION RESULTED TO PANIC BUYING
In an interview with DOH-CHD Mimaropa Regional Director, Dr. Mario Baquilod, he said that the panic buying of commodities for COVID-19 is brought about by the misinformation circulating in private chatrooms that there is already a COVID-19 positive patient in Palawan.
“Ito ‘yung [pag]-panic buying ay result of misinformation at false information,” he said and consequently appealed to the public to get the information only from the reliable sources.
“Ang aking panawagan naman ay doon lang tayo maniwala sa mga information coming from the reliable sources, isa roon ang ating Department of Health. Saka mayroon naman kaming advice weekly, mayroon naman kaming website—pwede sila roon kumuha ng mga information regarding sa COVID-19. Kami naman po [sa DOH-CHD Mimaropa], paiigtingin din namin ‘yung ating mga health advisory,” Baquilod further said.
He added that as of now, they are in close coordination with the different concerned agencies such as LGU’s, other agencies, and DTI to name a few, to control the overly priced items being sold online. Baquilod likewise asks the businessmen not to take advantage on this crucial situation.
The Regional Director reiterates that the best way of fighting COVID-19 is strengthening their own immune system through eating healthy foods, taking food supplement, having enough sleep, and proper exercise.
As what they always remind the public, it is everyone’s responsibilities to consult the doctor when having sickness, cough, or colds; to wear mask and to stay at home when having cough and colds to avoid the spread of bacteria and viruses; to avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth; and to exercise frequent handwashing and the use of disinfectant.
While according to City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (CDRRMO) Earl Timbancaya, they do not yet receive any official reports regarding the overpricing but they are now in coordination with the DTI local officials.
“No official reports pa po. But we’ll request our DTI to conduct price monitoring on essential supplies RE: COVID-19,” Timbanca told the PDN team through a text message.
DTI’S WARNING VS ABUSIVE TRADERS
The DTI Mimaropa Region also released a Public Advisory about the selling of overpriced rubbing alcohol, hand sanitizers, and medical masks.
They warned the sellers and suppliers that they would not tolerated the “unethical trade practice” and vowed that anyone found violating the Article 52 (b) of Consumer’s Rights Act “will be subjected to a fine not less than P500 but not more than P10,000 or imprisonment of not less than five months but not more than one year or both.”
“Consumers are enjoined to report the retailers and suppliers selling overpriced supplies to the nearest DTI Provincial Office or through the One-DTI (1-384) Hotline,” the advisory reads.
To file a report or complaint, anyone can visit the DTI-Provincial Office at 4/F ERC Building, Bgy. San Pedro, City of Puerto Princesa, near the City Coliseum or may call their hotline number (048) 434 1092.
“Pumunta sila [rito] sa DTI Office para mag-fill-up ng complaint form. Dalhin lang nila [ang] mga proofs or evidences like resibo, etc,” DTI-Palawan spokesperson Persival Narbonita said through a chat message when asked on how Palaweños file a complaint against the abusive sellers or suppliers of the said items. Today, they already received a copy of the Public Advisory from their Regional Office.
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