ZAMBOANGA CITY – Mayor John Dalipe has ordered a price freeze on basic commodities after this city was placed under a state of calamity due to destruction from severe tropical storm ‘’Paeng.’’
City Hall made the announcement after an emergency meeting by the Local Price Coordinating Council on Wednesday, Nov. 2, led by Dalipe.
“It is hereby announced that prices of basic necessities in Zamboanga City are automatically frozen at their prevailing price and/or placed under automatic price control,” stated LPCC Resolution No. 2.
The price freeze order was effective Oct. 312 and will last for 60 days.
Basic commodities placed under price control include canned fish, fresh fish, and other marine products; rice, corn, cooking oil, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, and detergent; noodles, candles, bread, salt, bottled water, fresh eggs, fresh pork, beef, and poultry products; fresh vegetables, root crops, sugar, and essential drugs.
Section 6 of Republic Act 7581 states that “unless otherwise declared by the President, prices of basic necessities in an area shall automatically be frozen at their prevailing price or placed under automatic price control whenever, among others, the area is declared under a state of calamity or emergency.”
Business establishments that fail to comply with the order will be charged for profiteering under Republic Act 7581.