Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno to issue show cause orders against medical suppliers who allegedly sold overpriced N95 face masks.
Manila City Mayor Isko Moreno to issue show cause orders against medical suppliers who allegedly sold overpriced N95 face masks.The City Government of Manila has started a crackdown on stores selling overpriced air filtration masks, Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan said on Monday, January 13, after the office of the Mayor received reports of N95 filter masks sold at ₱200.
According to Mayor Isko, should they fail to explain themselves and if found guilty, their permits may be revoked apart from having to face charges.
The mask usually costs around ₱30 to ₱75 and suddenly went expensive after its demand increased following government advisories to wear it as protection from ashfall caused by Taal Volcano’s unrest.
“Huwag naman po natin gamitin ang panahon na ito para manamantala. Tandaan po natin, delikado po sa kalusugan nila ang ashfall,” the Vice Mayor said.
One netizen, Margaret Uy, posted on social media the overpricing of unbranded N95 masks being sold at a pharmacy in Bambang Street in Manila.
The Consumer Act’s Section 52 bans Unfair or Unconscionable Sales Act or Practice, and prohibits sellers from exploiting buyers based on “physical or mental infirmity, ignorance, illiteracy, lack of time or the general conditions of the environment or surroundings.”
Violators will be fined from ₱500 to ₱10,000 or be imprisoned from five months to a year.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has mentioned using N95 grade face masks to block out at least 95 percent of fine ashfall that may cause irritation and breathing problems, especially among the elderly and children. Wet clothes or towels are also options.
Its demand has skyrocketed overnight after the public was advised to be on guard against the effects of heavy and prolonged ashfall.
On Sunday evening, 24-year-old John Moquerio who was riding his motorcycle along Sta. Ana had an asthma attack after inhaling volcanic ash.
He was brought to Sta. Ana Hospital where he was diagnosed with bronchial asthma and he was treated before being sent home.
Source: MB
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