Christmas decors and amenities at Marikina Riverbanks.(MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Saturday expressed confidence the Philippine National Police and the Department of Trade and Industry can provide two-fold protection for Christmas shoppers as the holidays draw closer.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has coordinated with the PNP on security arrangements especially for malls.
“I’m quite sure (MMDA Chairman Francis) Tolentino has coordinated with the PNP regarding the new opening and closing hours of malls and that the security arrangements will be made accordingly,” she said on government-run dzRB radio.
On Friday, the MMDA and mall owners agreed on an “11 to 11” scheme where malls would be generally open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. from Nov. 28 to Jan. 3, to minimize the impact of heavy traffic during the holiday shopping season.
Tolentino also said a separate meeting may be held to coordinate security in malls.
“Pag mall, ang una riyan private security. Ang PNP umaalalay riyan lalo sa season na dumadami ang tao tulad ng Pasko,” Valte said.
Meanwhile, Valte said the DTI will continue to inspect prices of popular holiday-related items in shops, to protect consumers from overpricing.
The DTI has also been deploying “Diskwento Caravans” to sell basic goods at low prices.
“Very active ang consumer protection ng DTI at kanilang monitoring teams. Halos araw-araw sila nagpapadala ng report,” she said. (MNS)