Manila enforces 60-day price freeze on basic commodities
Courtesy of the Manila City Government
The Manila City government has imposed a 60-day price freeze on basic commodities following the official declaration of a state of calamity due to continuous rains and widespread flooding caused by the southwest monsoon and successive tropical cyclones.
The declaration was made official through City Council Resolution No. 1 (Series of 2025) on July 23.
In line with the declaration, the city government has implemented a price freeze on all basic commodities, pursuant to Republic Act No. 7581 or The Price Act, as amended by RA No. 10623, which mandates an automatic price control in areas declared under a state of calamity.
The price freeze covers essential goods considered vital to public sustenance and survival during emergencies.
These include rice, corn, root crops, bread, fresh, dried or canned fish and other marine products, fresh pork, beef and poultry meat, fresh eggs, potable water in bottles and containers, fresh and processed milk, fresh vegetables and fruits, locally manufactured instant noodles, coffee, sugar, cooking oil, salt, laundry soap and detergents, firewood, charcoal, household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), kerosene, candies, and essential drugs as classified by the Department of Health.
Under the same law, acts of price manipulation such as hoarding, profiteering, and cartel operations aimed at artificially increasing the prices of basic and prime commodities are strictly prohibited and considered criminal offenses.
The city government has issued a warning to all retailers and suppliers within Manila to comply with the price control measures.
Violators will be subject to penalties under the provisions of the Price Act and applicable local ordinances.
City officials emphasized the importance of these measures to ensure that residents have continued access to affordable necessities during the period of crisis.
The order, according to the local government, is effective immediately and will remain in place for a maximum of 60 days unless extended or lifted based on prevailing conditions.
It said the directive is issued for immediate information dissemination and strict compliance.