National Capital Region, Philippines—Following the declaration of a state of calamity in the National Capital Region (NCR) due to the damages caused by Super Typhoon Carina, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has automatically imposed a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities. This measure seeks to protect consumers from price gouging and ensure access to essential goods at reasonable prices during this crisis.

“The DTI is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of our citizens, especially during times of crisis. We have immediately mobilized price monitoring team to enforce the price freeze and ensure that businesses comply with the law,” said DTI Secretary Fred Pascual.

“We strongly warn traders and retailers that prices of basic necessities must remain frozen at their prevailing levels prior to the declaration of state of calamity. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers facing supply chain disruptions are encouraged to reach out to the DTI for assistance,” he added.

On July 26, DTI Undersecretary Ed Sunico led the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau in conducting the initial price monitoring of basic necessities and prime commodities in Makati and Parañaque. Of the three grocery stores inspected, two complied with the mandatory price freeze, while one was found selling commodities above the mandated price list.

“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any instances of price gouging or other violations, as this will help ensure that these unscrupulous businesses are held accountable,” Undersecretary Sunico said.

“The DTI will continue to actively investigate and apprehended any businesses found to be taking advantage of consumers during this crisis,” he added.

Section 6 of Republic Act No. 7581, known as the Price Act, mandates a 60-day price freeze on necessities in areas placed under a state of calamity. This measure ensures that basic necessities remain available at reasonable prices and prevents opportunistic retailers from exploiting the situation through overpricing.

Violators found selling goods above the listed prevailing prices may face administrative charges with severe penalties, including administrative fine of up to PHP 1 million and/or imprisonment for a maximum of 10 years.

(L-R) DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) Director Atty. Fhillip D. Sawali, together with DTI Undersecretary for Communications Edgardo Sunico, posting the Price Freeze Bulletins in the monitored grocery stores.

The price freeze has been implemented on various basic necessities, including canned sardines, processed milk, coffee, bread, instant noodles, salt, laundry soap, bottled water, and candles, in areas affected by the recent typhoon.

Aside from the entire Metro Manila, a state of calamity has been declared in several other areas due to the severe weather, including Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Rizal (Cainta), Cavite, and Oriental Mindoro (Baco and Pinamalayan).

In light of these declarations, the DTI, as the National Price Coordinating Council chairperson and secretariat, has initiated a whole-of-government approach to stabilize prices in affected areas. This coordinated effort includes close collaboration with Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs) to enforce stringent price monitoring of essential goods. The DTI has also requested that LPCCs promptly report any pricing violations to the DTI, Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Consumers are encouraged to report any retailers who sell basic necessities above the specified prices through the DTI Consumer Care Hotline (1-384) or via email at consumercare@dti.gov.ph.

The DTI Price Freeze bulletin is posted on Page 5 of the July 27 edition of the Philippine Star, the DTI website, as well as the DTI Philippines and DTI FTEB Facebook pages. ♦

Date of release: 26 July 2024

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