Magalong warns vs profiteering as Baguio steps up price monitoring

BAGUIO CITY — Baguio City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong warned businessmen against profiteering as the city government intensified monitoring of commodity prices amid the Middle East crisis.

Mr. Magalong promised the city government will cancel the business permits of traders found engaging in profiteering, hoarding or other illegal trade practices.

He issued the warning during the Local Price Coordinating Council meeting on March 9, which was convened to assess the possible impact of the conflict on local markets and ensure protection for consumers.

The city also plans to set up a unified platform where the public can report cases of overpricing for immediate action by concerned agencies.

Mr. Magalong said regular price monitoring will be strengthened by the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Agriculture and other city offices. He also urged consumers to remain vigilant and report unscrupulous businessmen. — Artemio A. Dumlao