Amid the onslaught of tropical cyclones Crising, Dante, Emong, as well as the Southwest Monsoon, or Habagat, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has intensified monitoring efforts to ensure that prices of basic necessities and prime commodities remain unchanged and that supply is sufficient in several areas placed under a state of calamity.
The DTI’s regional and provincial offices are conducting continuous ground-level monitoring to ensure full compliance and prevent profiteering in affected markets.
Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque said the department’s monitoring teams are fully mobilized in all affected areas.
“We want to make it clear: no Filipino should be left behind during difficult times. Our monitoring teams are on the ground daily in all affected areas, from public markets to supermarkets to protect consumer welfare and ensure that prices of basic goods remain stable and fair,” said Secretary Roque.
Republic Act 7581, or the Price Act, mandates a 60-day freeze at the prevailing prices of essential items such as canned sardines, processed milk, instant noodles, bottled water, bread, coffee, and detergent upon the official declaration of a state of calamity in an area.
Currently, the price freeze is in effect in the provinces of Cavite and Bataan; the cities of Marikina, Las Piñas, Manila, Quezon, Malabon, Cebu, Meycauayan, and Dagupan; and 19 municipalities across Pangasinan, Tarlac, Bulacan, Rizal, Batangas, Palawan, and Antique.
The DTI issued a stern warning to all businesses that any violation of the automatic price freeze is punishable by law, with severe penalties including imprisonment for one to ten years and fines ranging from P5,000 to P1,000,00
