A netizen expressed her disappointment after she bought an N95 mask in Lipa, Batangas, and it costs almost twenty times than its standard cost.
The netizen who hides her name in alias Angel said that she bought the said mask in a store in the said city. However, she was shocked after the cashier told her the amount of money she required to buy it.
Because the stocks of N95 masks are limited because of the Taal volcano ashfall, she was forced to buy it to save her brother, who has asthma from inhaling the ashes.
In the receipt, it can be seen that the masks cost 500 pesos each while its normal price is 30-50 pesos only per piece.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) already warned the business owners not to raise the prices of face masks.
“Those found to have unreasonably increased their prices for gas masks, face masks and other similar items, which act is tantamount to profiteering, shall be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law,” The DTI said.
“DTI will not hesitate to file administrative charges against unscrupulous business entities and individuals who capitalize on the consumers’ urgent need for their own profit,” it added.
President Rodrigo Duterte also ordered his officials to give free face masks especially to the people living near Taal volcano.
“Duterte has instructed government agencies to ensure that those affected by the eruption will be given assistance. He has also ordered the DOH to provide face masks especially to those who are in the affected areas,” said Communications Secretary Martin Andanar Monday.
He also warned the establishments rising the price of their mask telling them that they’re going to face the “fullest extent of the law”.