Manila issues show cause orders on those selling overpriced face masks

January 14, 2020

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Monday instructed the Manila Business Processing Office to issue show cause orders against those who sell overpriced face masks. 

"Those masks that you sell were from your storage. You bought those cheap, so you should resell those in a right price," said Moreno.

"I will not allow abuse in this kind of situation," he added.

According to Manila Vice Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan, there were reports of overpriced N95 masks being being sold.

From its usual retail price of P25, some people are selling masks for P200 per piece. 

Demands for surgical masks and the N95 mask - which was said to be more effective in preventing dust particles to enter the nasal cavity - increased due to continuous ash fall from the Taal Volcano eruption which began Sunday. 

Lacuna-Pangan has initially ordered the Manila Bureau of Permits and Manila Licenses Office to investigate establishments that sells N95 masks in the city. 

"Let's not take advantage of the situation. Please remember that (the fallen ashes) is dangerous for our health," she said.

"I don't want to see someone with asthma being rushed to the hospital because he can't afford to buy or find a mask," she added. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS