‘Tama lang po ba ang presyo ko?’

Several commenters said they sell the same product for around ₱32 to ₱35—nearly half the price shown in the post.

“Pag ganyan kamahal mga paninda mo w[a]lang bibili sayo,” one user said.

Others responded with jokes instead, including “Gawin nyo na po 100 mhie para wala kana isipin pa na sukli sa 100 nila😅,” and “Parang sobrang mura po halos pamigay n[a] 🤣😂.”

When asked why the canned tuna was priced that high, the seller cited the cost of renting her location.

“[M]ahal po kasi upa d[i]to sa labas ng senado,” she said.

On consumer protection and sales practices

Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, aims to provide consumer protection through ensuring the “availability of basic necessities and prime commodities at reasonable prices at all times without denying legitimate business a fair return on investment.”

Basic necessities and prime commodities include items such as rice, bread, canned fish, meat products, vegetables, cooking oil, and essential medicines.

The law allows the government to impose price ceilings, or maximum prices, for certain goods during situations such as emergencies or when necessary to protect consumers. It also identifies price manipulation, including profiteering, as a prohibited practice when established under the law and applicable circumstances.

Meanwhile, RA 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines protects consumers against deceptive, unfair, and unconscionable sales practices.

At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, authorities carried out enforcement actions against businesses accused of profiteering and price manipulation involving essential goods.

The Department of Trade and Industry reminds consumers to remain vigilant and urges them to file complaints through its online channels or offices.

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