Implementing Agency: 

City Government of Valenzuela

Year Implemented: 

12 March 2020 – 8 June 2020; 29 March 2021 – 12 April 2021

Theme

Perspectives on Productivity, Governance, and Development

General Description

As the number of COVID-19 cases were beginning to rise in March 2020, the City Government of Valenzuela adopted City Ordinance No. 669, otherwise known as the Anti-Hoarding and Anti-Panic Buying Ordinance of 2020. This was done to limit the maximum number of each particular product that may be purchased per consumer, thus preventing the hoarding of essential goods and ensuring that more people have access to them.

Background and Problem

Crises and disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and supertyphoons have triggered panic buying sprees among the Filipino public in the past, and in early March 2020 it seemed that this would also be the case for the COVID-19 pandemic. Hoarding was also evident in other countries as well during this period, leading to shortages in essential supplies such as canned goods, toiletries, and even toilet paper. While the items were purchased legally and not looted or stolen, this practice nonetheless deprives other citizens of the goods they need for themselves and their families. 

Solution and Impact 

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation No. 922 on 8 March 2020, declaring a public health emergency and enjoining all national agencies and local government units to mobilize the necessary resources to undertake the urgent and appropriate measures to address the looming crisis. Just days later on 12 March, the Valenzuela City Council passed the Anti-Hoarding and Anti-Panic Buying Ordinance authored by 1st District Councilor Rovin Feliciano and sponsored by 2nd District Councilor Kim Galang-Tiangco.

The ordinance prevented consumers from buying excessive amounts of essential commodities and temporarily limited the number of each specific item that private consumers can purchase. Operators of retail businesses such as sari-sari stores would need to present their business permit before they could avail of bulk purchases for the products that their businesses would carry.

Prior to the adoption and implementation of the ordinance, the City Government conducted public consultations with barangay officials, representatives from retail establishments and malls, and other concerned individuals to identify the products and goods to be included in the list.

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List of  items and amounts that citizens or retailers may purchased per day

(Source: Valenzuela City Facebook Page)

Included among the items are essential pantry items such as canned goods, powdered milk, coffee, bread, eggs, sugar, and rice, as well as hygiene products such as soap and toilet paper. The notable inclusions in the list are products of particularly high demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic—rubbing alcohol, disinfectant, face masks, and vitamin supplements.

Copies of the list were posted within the premises of each establishment to inform consumers about the limitation on the goods and products that they are allowed to purchase during the COVID-19 pandemic. Violators of the ordinance will be penalized amounting to PHP 1,000 for the first offense; PHP 2,000 for the second offense; and PHP 3,000 and eight hours of community service for the third offense. Non-compliant business owners may face closure or revocation of their business permits.

Milestones 

The ordinance has been subject to constant review depending on the needs of the population and the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. Its implementation has largely coincided with the imposition of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) protocols in Metro Manila.

As a result of its practicality and its fairness to all citizens affected by the pandemic, the ordinance has been replicated by Pasig City and other local government units.

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The revised list of items under the ordinance during its second implementation from 29 March 2021, to 12 April 2021 (Source: Valenzuela City Facebook Page)

Photos

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Special Session conducted on 12 March 2020 (Source: City Government of Valenzuela)

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Special Session conducted on 12 March 2020 (Source: City Government of Valenzuela)

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Special Session conducted on 12 March 2020 (Source: City Government of Valenzuela)

Sources

Anti-Hoarding and Anti-Panic Buying Ordinance of Valenzuela City, City Ordinance No. 669. (2020).

City Government of Valenzuela (2020, March 12). Valenzuela City Imposes Anti-Hoarding and Anti-Panic Buying Measures Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic.

Galupo, R. (2020, March 14). Valenzuela passes anti-panic buying ordinance. Philstar. https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/03/14/2000624/valenzuela-passes-anti-panic-buying-ordinance 

Garcia, V. (2020, March 20). LOOK: Supermarkets in Pasig, Valenzuela comply with anti-panic buying, anti-hoarding ordinances. Inquirer. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1245104/look-pasig-valenzuela-supermarkets-comply-with-anti-panic-buying-anti-hoarding-ordinance#ixzz6zAmYhQIZ

Lolo, R. (2020, June 9). Valenzuela lifts hoarding, panic-buying ban. Tribune. https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2020/06/09/valenzuela-lifts-hoarding-panic-buying-ban

Niviera, A. (2021, March 28). Valenzuela City imposes anti-hoarding, anti-panic buying ordinance anew. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2021/03/28/valenzuela-city-imposes-anti-hoarding-anti-panic-buying-ordinance-anew/

Niviera, A. (2021, April 12). Valenzuela city lifts anti-hoarding, anti-panic buying ordinance. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2021/04/12/valenzuela-city-lifts-anti-hoarding-anti-panic-buying-ordinance/