Valenzuela City Council passed after its 5^thSpecial Session today, March 12, 2020, City Ordinance No. 669, Series of 2020, otherwise known as, the “Anti-Hoarding and Anti-Panic Buying Ordinance of Valenzuela City.” 

The ordinance, principally authored by 1^st District Councilor Rovin Feliciano and  sponsored by Committee Chairperson on Livelihood, Trade, Commerce and Industry, 2^nd District Councilor Kim Galang-Tiangco, was finalized on the 3^rd reading on the very same day it was introduced on the table for approval.

Taking into account Presidential Proclamation No. 922, declaring public health emergency throughout the country due to COVID-19, enjoining all national agencies and local government units to render full assistance and cooperation, and to mobilize the necessary resources to undertake critical, urgent, and appropriate response and measure to curtail and eliminate the virus, the ordinance imposes restrictions on the buying capacity of individuals and retail establishments on some basic and prime commodities. 

After a consultative public hearing with barangay officials, representatives from retail establishments and malls around the city, and other concerned individuals, the following restrictions were finalized for immediate and strict implementation.

For individual consumers:

For registered retailers and sari-sari store customers:

Retailers acquiring goods must present their business permit before they can avail of the higher quantity limits.

The above list must be posted within the premises of the establishment to inform the public.  Establishments found violating provisions of the ordinance will face cancellation of their business permit.

The City Mayor is also authorized to create a special task force for the implementation and monitoring of the ordinance, and to issue additional implementing rules and regulations, if necessary.  

There have been raid of consumers to the markets and grocery stores in past days due to panic when the number of individuals infected by the virus started to surge.  City Mayor REX Gatchalian commended the Sangguniang Panlungsod for the immediate passing of the ordinance, calling it a very urgent and necessary step that “will protect the Valenzuelanos from possible abusive behavior of individuals and business establishments that unreasonably hoarding basic and prime commodities amidst the onset of the pandemic COVIC-19 virus”.

Furthermore, he reiterated that the measure is temporary and shall be subject for constant review, depending on the developments on the effect of the virus in the coming days. 

Violators of this ordinance may face cancellation of business permit.  To report, information can be relayed to the Valenzuela City Local Economic and Investment Promotion Office (LEIPO) at 8352-1000 local 1806.