MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) should impose a price freeze on basic necessities and other commodities, including face masks, in the calamity-stricken province of Batangas, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said. In an interview with reporters on Tuesday, Gatchalian also said that business permits of stores selling overpriced masks should be revoked and its owners imprisoned. Gatchalian also said that those caught and proven to have been selling overpriced face masks should face immediate imprisonment. But social media posts on overpriced face masks should also be verified, he said. Gatchalian then called for the convening of the price monitoring council to monitor the prices of basic goods in Batangas.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer January 14, 2020 12:33 UTC