Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 349)
The recent typhoon Trix caused death and havoc and threatened famine and epidemic, prompting the proclamation.
Hoarding of palay, rice, corn, building or construction materials, and other prime necessities of life specified in the accompanying list to the proclamation are regulated.
The hoarding of specified commodities and selling them at prices higher by twenty-five percent or more above the average current local price one month prior to the disaster is prohibited.
The selling price must not exceed the local current price plus twenty-five percent, and this combined amount must not exceed the ceiling price set by existing executive orders issued under Republic Act No. 509, as amended.
It applies the provisions that prohibit and penalize price manipulation such as hoarding and excessive pricing of essential commodities during a declared public calamity in specified provinces and cities.
Violations are penalized as provided under Act No. 4164, which includes penalties for hoarding and excessive pricing of prime necessities during a public calamity.
The proclamation aims to prevent hoarding and excessive price increases of essential goods, thereby protecting consumers from price exploitation during emergencies.