By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
GOVERNOR David M. Apatang is warning businesses against price gouging after reports surfaced that some vendors were reselling relief ice at steep markups, calling the practice illegal and directing the attorney general to investigate.
Apatang made the remarks May 6 during a press conference at the opening of the Survivor Recovery Center at the Susupe multi-purpose center. He was responding to a reporter who asked whether he was aware of claims that individuals or businesses were buying bags of ice and reselling them by the cup for $4.
“I heard about that, and I’m going to ask the AG to look into that,” he said. “That falls under price gouging, and they should investigate that issue.”
The governor said he had already reminded the public that price gouging is illegal under the emergency declaration issued before Typhoon Sinlaku made landfall.
“I put out advice to the public right after the typhoon about price gouging — that it’s illegal, that it’s against the law,” he said. “Businesses need to adhere to the law. Don’t cheat our people. Don’t take advantage of the disaster.”
“So I’m warning them: If you’re doing that, you need to stop it. I’m going to have the AG look into your business,” he added.
Before the storm, on April 11, Apatang issued an executive order freezing prices on goods and housing rentals — including apartments and condominiums — until the freeze is lifted or the emergency declaration ends. While the order remains in effect, it is illegal to raise the price of any item or rental unit.
In the days since the typhoon, many residents have taken to social media to complain about what they believe are unfair prices for certain commodities and to question the attorney general’s enforcement of the freeze.
Attorney General Edward Manibusan has not issued a public statement regarding the reported violations.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
