DTI: Basic commodity prices stable amid triple storm onslaught
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) stated that prices of basic necessities and prime commodities remain stable despite the onslaught of three successive tropical storms and the southwest monsoon.
In a statement on Thursday, July 24, DTI Secretary Cristina Roque said the agency has intensified its monitoring efforts to ensure that the prices of goods remain unchanged.
She said monitoring teams have been mobilized across affected areas to prevent profiteering and ensure full compliance with the price freeze order.
"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 Roque.
The Price Act, embodied under Republic Act (RA) No. 7581, mandates a 60-day freeze of the prevailing prices of basic necessities upon the declaration of a state of calamity in an area.
Basic necessities are products vital to consumers’ sustenance, including canned sardines, processed milk, instant noodles, bottled water, bread, coffee, and detergent.
The price freeze is currently in effect in the provinces of Cavite and Bataan; the cities of Marikina, Las Piñas, Manila, Quezon, Malabon, Cebu, Meycauayan, and Dagupan; and 19 towns across Pangasinan, Tarlac, Bulacan, Rizal, Batangas, Palawan, and Antique.
The DTI has warned that business establishments violating the price freeze will face severe penalties, including imprisonment for one to ten years and fines ranging from ₱5,000 to ₱1 milion.
The agency said areas under a state of calamity will also be monitored to ensure that the supply of basic necessities and prime commodities remains sufficient.