The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) recorded a 99.92 percent compliance rate among retailers covered by the 60-day price freeze on basic necessities, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a state of national calamity due to typhoons Tino and Uwan.
The high compliance follows 1,284 inspections conducted by DTI teams nationwide since the declaration, including 232 in Metro Manila, where monitors checked prevailing prices and the availability of key items such as canned sardines, instant noodles, bread, coffee, bottled water, and canned meat.
Only one store in Metro Manila received a show cause order for possible overpricing. The case is now under preliminary review, and the retailer is being given 48 hours to explain.
Additionally, the agency said supermarket and grocery operations have normalized after a brief surge in consumer demand during the typhoons, while supplies in major urban centers remain stable.
For provinces that previously faced access issues, DTI regional and provincial offices have also coordinated with local governments and the Office of Civil Defense to keep deliveries moving and ensure essential goods reach communities without delay.
Trade and Industry Secretary Cristina A. Roque said monitoring teams are conducting daily inspections in supermarkets, groceries, and public markets to check compliance with mandated price ceilings.
“The DTI constantly upholds its responsibilities to consumers, working round-the-clock to implement the President’s directive and guarantee that essential goods stay affordable and accessible, especially for the communities most affected by the calamities,” Roque said.
Under the Price Act (RA 7581), the prices of basic necessities in areas under a state of calamity are automatically frozen at their prevailing levels for 60 days, unless lifted earlier by the President.
Establishments selling above the mandated prices are issued a Notice of Violation and must respond within 48 hours, which may result in administrative and/or criminal penalties, including fines of up to PHP1 million and imprisonment of up to 10 years.
With the 60-day price freeze now enforced nationwide, the DTI continues to safeguard consumers and maintain market stability, ensuring that essential goods remain accessible and affordable for all Filipinos, especially those affected by recent calamities.
