Valenzuela City has started implementing an ordinance to prevent consumers from hoarding basic commodities amid the ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) threat.
Ordinance No. 669 Series of 2020 or the Anti-Hoarding and Anti-Panic Buying Ordinance sets limitations on the number of basic needs a consumer, buyer, retail store owner or registered business owner can buy in the city.
The said measure aims to discourage hoarding and panic buying in the city and give every buyer a chance to purchase their needs as well.
In its Facebook page, Valenzuela City shared infographics on the limited amount of items such as alcohol, toilet paper, canned goods, hand sanitizers, soap and other vital commodities.
According to 24 Oras report, scenes of panic buying in groceries and supermarkets have been observed across the metro as well as Bulacan, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Davao City and Zamboanga City.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) previously assured the public that there’s enough supply of basic goods, alcohol and disinfectants amid increased demand due to rising COVID-19 cases in the country.
DTI also ordered retailers to limit the sale of alcohol and other disinfectants to only two bottles per customer.
Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo also warned that hoarders “will be dealt with accordingly in pursuance of public safety and order”.
“Those who unscrupulously take advantage of the health crisis will also be arrested and dealt with in accordance with law,” he said.
Celebrities like Heart Evangelista and Bianca Manalo also reminded the public to avoid hoarding and be considerate with others during these challenging times.
