Price freeze up in calamity areas

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced Monday, August 19 that a ceiling has been placed on prices of basic commodities in areas under state of calamity.

The provincial governments of Cavite and Laguna as well as the municipalities of Sta. Maria and Narvacan in Ilocos Sur declared a state of calamity due to floods brought about by torrential rain Monday.

Schools, government offices and the stock exchange in Manila are closed as the weather bureau raised a red alert, the highest level of a warning system in which widespread floods are predicted.

In a statement, DTI officer-in-charge for Consumer Welfare and Business Regulation Group Victorio Mario Dimagiba said automatic price controls are implemented in the event of calamity or emergency under Sections 6 and 7 of Republic Act 7581 or The Price Act.

The price controls are meant to prevent unscrupulous businessmen from taking advantage of any shortage in the supply of basic commodities.

Basic goods covered by the price freeze include the following:

• rice
• corn
• cooking oil
• fresh/dried fish and other marine products
• fresh eggs
• fresh pork
• beef/poultry meat
• fresh milk
• fresh vegetables
• root crops
• sugar
• canned fish and other marine products
• processed milk
• coffee
• laundry soap and detergent
• candles
• bread
• salt
• firewood
• charcoal

Dimagiba said the DTI would monitor prices of goods in affected areas to ensure compliance.

Violators could face imprisonment of up to 10 years and fine of up to P1 million. – Rappler.com