• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
“Have a heart, people are suffering right now.”
Those were the words expressed by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Friday as he appealed to local businessmen to control their prices and not to take advantage of individuals affected by Typhoon Tino.
The issue regarding the hike of prices of several hotel rooms and other commodities rose after several people expressed their concerns in social media.
“Everytime there is a calamity like this, we always appeal to the businessmen to have a heart, people are suffering right now,” Lacson said during a press briefing.
“With the declaration of the state of calamity that will be automatic that there will be a price freeze but only for certain items,” he added.
Meanwhile, following the declaration of the State Of National Calamity by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said that it will immediately implement a price freeze on all basic necessities.
Included in the DTI’s list of basic necessities to be under the price freeze are canned fish such as sardines, locally manufactured instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, laundry soap, detergent, and salt.
“The price freeze will remain in force for 60 days, or until lifted by the President. The DTI has coordinated with all key NPCC implementing agencies to protect consumers during this critical period,” the DTI said.
Further, Lacson emphasized that businessmen should help affected individuals and not to add up more burden in times of grief and loss.
“Actually due to the disaster people are now in no position to buy things so let’s not add up to more problems to the suffering Negrenses and let’s control the prices,” the governor stressed.*
