Gov't to go after oil hoarders, profiteers

Saboteurs to face criminal raps, closure of businesses - Palace

- BY BETHEENA UNITE and HANNAH TORREGOZA

Hoarders and profiteers taking advantage of the expected oil supply disruption caused by the conflict in the Middle East will face harsh consequences, Malacañang warned.

Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government would pursue and file charges against those found engaging in such practices.

"Of course, we know that there are laws against hoarding and profiteering, which involve taking advantage of situations like this. There is no need for anyone to hoard goods or increase their profits or gains because the situation does not yet warrant it," Castro said in a media briefing on Monday, March 9 (New York time). "So if you are caught violating the law, caught hoarding or engaging in profiteering, the government will not let you off easily because you will face complaints and legal charges."

Castro reiterated an earlier warning against businesses that may enThe government is working to help mitigate the effects of the conflict in the Middle East.

However, she added, consumers do not need to engage in panic buying. gage in profiteering amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, after receiving information that the Department of Energy has issued show-cause orders against 54 gasoline stations for allegedly raising prices prematurely.

The Palace official echoed President Marcos' appeal for everyone to unite and help each other amid the crisis.

Let's stand together - PBBM

She said the President stressed that Filipinos should stand together, help one another, and cooperate.