Nasa P200-M halaga ng frozen at exotic food products, nabisto sa pasilidad na walang... | Saksi

Summary

The Philippine Trade Department aims to maintain low prices until Christmas despite requests for price increases. The NBI raids an unlicensed cold storage facility in Bulacan, seizing millions of pesos worth of frozen and exotic food products, some potentially dangerous due to improper inspection. The facility faces charges for tax evasion and smuggling, with penalties including imprisonment and fines. The DTI inspects markets and supermarkets to ensure suggested retail prices are followed, finding some products cheaper than the SRP. Consumers are advised to wait for possible price increases, and Valenzuela City is vigilant against the spread of African swine fever.

Takeaways

• 🛑 The trade department is targeting to keep prices high until Christmas despite requests from the NBI for price increases.
• 🚫 The NBI has raided a facility in Bulacan for improperly stored frozen and exotic food products, some of which may be health hazards.
• 🦠 The products seized include meats and seafoods that could potentially carry diseases like bird flu and foot and mouth disease.
• 💸 The NBI claims the facility owes the government 120 million pesos in unpaid taxes.
• 📢 There have been intercepted communications offering these products to intended clients through secret channels.
• 🏭 The facility is accused of having incorporators who are two Filipinos and one Chinese national, facing agricultural smuggling charges.
• 📉 The Department of Trade and Industry has conducted inspections in Valenzuela City and found some products cheaper than the suggested retail price.
• 📈 There is a concern that manufacturers might increase prices, but currently, there are no confirmed price hikes.
• 🛒 Consumers are advised to budget wisely and wait before shopping if possible, as prices may rise in the coming months.
• 🚔 Valenzuela City is tightening border controls to prevent the spread of African swine fever from pigs entering Metro Manila.

Q & A

What is the target of the trade department regarding price control?

The trade department aims to control prices until Christmas, despite requests for price increases from the NBI.

What is the issue with the cold storage facility in Marilao, Bulacan?

The facility was found to be operating without the proper permits, storing millions of pesos worth of frozen and exotic food products, potentially dangerous to public health.

What types of products were found in the illegal storage facility?

The NBI found various frozen meat products including beef, chicken, pork, and even exotic foods that did not pass proper health inspections.

What health risks are associated with the products found in the facility?

The products could potentially carry diseases such as bird flu and foot and mouth disease, posing a significant health risk to humans.

What was the financial impact of the illegal storage and sale of these products?

The government is estimated to have lost around 120 million pesos in taxes due to the improper storage and sale of these products.

What actions were taken by the NBI regarding the illegal facility?

The NBI conducted raids, intercepted communications, and arrested individuals involved in the illegal operation, including two Filipinos and one Chinese national.

What are the legal consequences for those involved in the illegal operation?

The individuals involved face charges of agricultural smuggling and could be subject to penalties including imprisonment and fines.

What is the Department of Trade and Industry's stance on price increases?

The DTI is conducting inspections and monitoring price increases, aiming to maintain suggested retail prices and prevent unjustified price hikes.

How are prices of basic goods compared in Valenzuela City?

Inspections revealed that prices of basic goods in Valenzuela City are cheaper than the suggested retail price, even though manufacturers have not yet increased prices.

What is the advice given to consumers regarding shopping during the holiday season?

Consumers are advised to be cautious and budget wisely, as price increases may occur before the holiday season.

What measures are being taken to prevent the spread of African swine fever in Metro Manila?

Valenzuela City is tightening border controls to prevent the entry of pigs that may be infected with African swine fever into Metro Manila.