Prices of goods stable despite recent storms, says DTI
Published Sep 30, 2025 05:22 pm
(Manila Bulletin file photo)
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said prices of basic necessities and prime commodities are stable despite the onslaught of three successive tropical storms and the southwest monsoon.
In a statement on Tuesday, Sept. 30, Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the agency’s monitoring showed that prices in areas affected by recent storms remain stable, with supply still sufficient.
Roque said consumer protection continues to be the primary concern for the DTI, especially during times of calamity.
“Despite the impact of the storms, we assure the public that prices of essential goods will remain stable and consistently accessible,” said Roque.
She noted that the agency’s regional and provincial offices are monitoring the market situation daily to ensure price stability.
Based on its latest monitoring, the DTI said there are also no reports of delivery delays or panic buying in the provinces and municipalities placed under a state of calamity.
The Price Act, embodied under Republic Act (RA) No. 7581, mandates a 60-day freeze on the prevailing prices of basic necessities, coinciding with the declaration of a state of calamity.
Basic necessities are products vital to sustenance, including canned sardines, processed milk, instant noodles, bottled water, bread, coffee, and detergent.
As of writing, a 60-day price freeze is in effect in the provinces of Biliran, Cagayan, Masbate, Oriental Mindoro, and Romblon.
Also under a prize freeze are the municipalities and cities of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte, Dagupan in Pangasinan, Calbayog and San Vicente in Samar, and Ibajay in Aklan.
In hard-hit Masbate, the DTI said majority of markets, groceries, and supermarkets are still operational despite partial business closures.
The department said it will coordinate with distributors and retailers to ensure that the supply of basic necessities and prime commodities remains sufficient.
It has warned that violators of the price freeze will face severe penalties, including imprisonment of one to 10 years and fines ranging from ₱5,000 to ₱1 million.