As a move to safeguard the interest of the Valenzuelanos against profiteering business establishments, retail outlets, and traders, in the wake of novel coronavirus acute respiratory disease, Mayor REX Gatchalian orders the immediate compliance with the suggested retail prices (SRP) of disposable surgical masks and N95 face masks, by virtue of Executive Order No. 010, Series of 2020.

Per the Executive Order, in compliance with Department of Health (DOH) Memorandum No. 0005, Series of 2020, and as prescribed by the September 31, 2019 Suggested Retail Price Bulletin of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the maximum cost of surgical masks should be PhP 8 apiece, while N95 masks should be sold at a maximum price of PhP 105 per piece.

Surgical masks, also known as medical face masks, are commonly used during flu season as they reduce the likelihood of spreading airborne diseases. N9 face masks, on the other hand, are designed to serve as a nose and mouth covering that can filter out small particles such as dust and mold in the air.

The increase in the prices of masks is the aftermath of the Taal Volcano eruption and the novel coronavirus outbreak in January 2020. The unreasonable price spike prompted the DTI to release repeated stern reminders and even threats to press charges against those who were found to have taken advantage of the situation for the sake of profit.

Mayor REX likewise instructed the City Health Office (CHO) and the Local Economic and Investment Promotions Office (LEIPO) to conduct inspections and closely monitor all business establishments and retail outlets in the City to ensure that price regulation on masks is strictly implemented.

According to LEIPO Officer-in-Charge Ms. Josephine Osea, “During the citywide monitoring we conducted on February 5, we confirmed that the average cost of surgical masks is still PhP 5 to 6, while the lowest cost of N95 masks is PhP 45. However, these masks are currently out of stock.”

Questions, reports or concerns about overpricing of masks can be directed to LEIPO at   8352-1000 local 1806.

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