Consumer groups oppose QC’s limit on grocery purchases

Some supermarkets and consumer groups opposed the Quezon City local government’s plan to limit the purchase of basic goods such as canned goods during the strict lockdown.

For the president of the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarket Association, the ordinance is no longer necessary.

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He explained that the supermarkets themselves automatically control panic buying by limiting the quantity or quantity that a customer can buy.

“We don’t need an ordinance for that. Kasi automatic ang tindahan at negosyo will limit kapag kailangang mag-limit. At bakit nagli-limit para mapagbigyan lahat ang mga household na nangangailangan,” said Cua.

This is also the view of Laban Konsyumer President Vic Dimagiba, who said that manufacturers and local governments ensure that there is an adequate supply of the product.

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He called for the decision to be left to the consumer.

He said it is better to watch the price of goods during ECQ.

“Hayaan na lang po natin yung market ang mag-dictate kung hanggang saan yung mga consumers depende sa budget nila, kung ilan ang kanilang dapat bilihin pero kami po ay hindi sang-ayon kung magkakaroon ng limitasyon sa pagbili ng ilang produkto,” said Dimagiba.

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Consumer groups oppose QC’s limit on grocery purchases

Here is the limit to be imposed per person who buys daily necessities, under Ordinance No. SP-2948 S-2020:

  • sardines, per brand (5)
  • other canned goods such as meatloaf or corned beef, per brand (10)

Mayor Joy Belmonte assured that the  supply in QC would be sufficient while the delivery of goods under the ECQ will not be restricted.

The directive will take effect at midnight Friday, in conjunction with the return of 8 p.m. until 4 a.m. and curfew.

The obligation to issue “quarantine passes” issued by the barangay will be reinstated, given to one person per household who would have been  without a company ID or Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR) ID.

Belmonte will once again ban the sale of alcohol and the operation of services such as barbershops, nail spas, parlors, and salons.

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