'Hindi natin isinusulong ang pagpataw ng parusa sa mga rice retailers. Alam naman natin ang kalagayan nila, hindi naman sila masasamang tao,' - Belmonte
DESPITE the stern warning issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Quezon Mayor Joy Belmonte doesn’t seem amenable to the idea of slapping a P1-million fine against local retailers in violation of the controversial Executive Order 39 which puts a cap on the price of rice.
In a directive to the Quezon City Police District, Belmonte asked local cops to “go easy” on rice sellers in public markets, even as she cited the predicament that they’re in.
“Hindi natin isinusulong ang pagpataw ng parusa sa mga rice retailers. Alam naman natin ang kalagayan nila, hindi naman sila masasamang tao,” Belmonte said in an interview with reporters.
On top of trying to “relax” the imposition of fines Belmonte likewise hinted at the idea of waiving market rental fees – at least until the situation normalizes.
EO 39, which was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, set a P45 cap on the price of well-milled rice, and P41 for regular-milled rice. The EO took effect September 5.
Closure Order
Interestingly, rice retailers in San Juan City are on the brink of being closed down as Mayor Francis Zamora said that he would impose fines and shut the stalls of vendors who would not comply with the price cap.
Zamora, who earlier led the inspection stalls at the Agora Public Market, cited the need for the city government to implement EO 39 – and for grain retailers to comply with the price cap. Not one rice retailer was caught though.
Following the issuance of the EO, Zamora likewise created a Price Control Coordinating Council in what he claimed is an effort to deter price manipulation.
“We are stepping up and are checking our public market to ensure that rice store owners are compliant with the mandatory prices,” even as Zamora defended the inspection which according to him aims to protect consumers.
“We want to be proactive for the welfare of everyone so that they are getting their rice at the right price.”
Rental Relief
At least 48 retailers received P15,000 cash assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as espoused under the government’s Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
On top of the national government cash assistance, Zamora said the city government is exhausting measures aimed at providing temporary rental reprieve for rice retailers.
The SLP pay-out also began in other Metro Manila cities.
Sari-Sari Stores
During the simultaneous payout, DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian made it clear that the cash assistance is not limited to rice retailers in the market.
Gatchailian said that even sari-sari (retail) stores outside wet markets and public markets are eligible for the SLP cash assistance. But unlike those in the market, sari-sari stores selling rice could only avail P5,000 subsidy.
“Unlicensed rice retailers and sari-sari store owners selling rice are also included in the SLP payout, which is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive that the list of beneficiaries should be inclusive,” Gatchalian was quoted as saying.
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