The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said there is near-perfect compliance among retailers with the price freeze on basic goods following the recent declaration of a state of national calamity.

In a statement, the DTI said it has recorded a 99.92 percent compliance rate among retailers nationwide.

The agency said this is a result of nearly 1,300 inspections across the country to monitor prevailing prices and the availability of key items.

In Metro Manila, where the DTI conducted 232 inspections, the agency only issued a show-cause order against a single store for possible overpricing.

The case is now under preliminary review, with the retailer given 48 hours to explain.

Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said her agency conducts daily inspections of supermarkets, groceries, and public markets to verify compliance with mandated price ceilings.

“The DTI constantly upholds its responsibilities to consumers, working round-the-clock to implement the president’s directive and guarantee that essential goods stay affordable and accessible, especially for the communities most affected by the calamities,” said Roque.

A nationwide price freeze took effect on Nov. 6 as part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.'s alignment with the issuance of a state of national calamity.

Under Republic Act (RA) No. 7581, or the Price Act, prices of basic necessities in areas under a state of calamity are automatically frozen at their prevailing levels for 60 days, unless lifted earlier by the president.

Products covered by the price freeze include canned sardines, powdered milk, bread, salt, detergent soap, bottled water, and candles.

Establishments selling above the mandated prices are issued a notice of violation and must respond within 48 hours.

Upon finding the offender culpable, this may result in administrative and/or criminal penalties, including fines of up to ₱1 million and imprisonment of up to 10 years.

Marcos earlier approved the state of calamity declaration following the devastation of Typhoon Tino and the potential impact of Typhoon Uwan.

Based on a Nov. 24 report of the Department of Agriculture (DA), the agriculture sector has suffered ₱5.16 billion in losses from the two storms.

When it comes to supermarkets and groceries, the DTI said operations have normalized after a brief surge in consumer demand during the recent typhoons.

The agency said supplies in major urban centers remain stable, while it has tapped regional and provincial offices to ensure the seamless delivery of basic goods to provinces that previously faced access issues.

“The DTI continues to safeguard consumers and maintain market stability, ensuring that essential goods remain accessible and affordable for all Filipinos, especially those affected by recent calamities,” it said.