By CHRIS V. PANGANIBAN
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — Butuan City Mayor Law Fortun has created a task force to crack down on illegal price increases after reports that some businesses in Butuan City raised prices of goods and fuel ahead of an official adjustment schedule.
Fortun said he issued an executive order creating “Oplan Bantay Presyo,” a composite team tasked with closely monitoring the prices of basic commodities in the city.
The move came after the city government received reports that several establishments had already increased their prices two to three days before the scheduled fuel price hike.
“We received reports that as early as two to three days ago, some businesses already increased their prices, which is illegal,” the mayor said Wednesday.
According to Fortun, the Department of Energy had advised fuel retailers that pump prices would increase starting March 11, but some establishments allegedly implemented the adjustment earlier.
“We have accounts to prove this and we will investigate it,” he said.
Under the executive order, a monitoring team composed of local government offices and national agencies will conduct inspections and monitor prices across the city starting Wednesday.
The team includes the city’s Business Permits and Licensing Department, City Legal Department, and City Economic and Business Development Department, working with the Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Energy, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Agriculture, and the Philippine National Police.
Fortun warned businesses against taking advantage of the situation, saying the city government would impose strict penalties on violators, including the possible revocation of business permits.
“We will not hesitate to impose very strict penalties on establishments, companies, or businesses that attempt to manipulate prices and take advantage of this crisis,” he said.
The mayor also urged businesses and residents to cooperate with the monitoring efforts, calling for a sense of community amid global uncertainties affecting fuel supply.
“This is the time to support one another,” Fortun said, adding that the city government remains focused on protecting consumers and ensuring fair and responsible pricing in the city.
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