THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has imposed a price freeze on basic necessities in Pampanga and Sta. Barbara in Pangasinan, after the areas were placed under a state of calamity due to damage caused by Typhoon Maymay and the southwest monsoon.
In a Facebook post late Monday, the DTI Consumer Care service said the price freeze took effect Aug. 12 and will remain in force until Oct. 11, unless lifted earlier.
Under Republic Act 7581, or the Price Act, prices of basic necessities are automatically frozen when an area is declared under a state of calamity or emergency, among other circumstances. The price controls remain in effect for up to 60 days, unless lifted earlier by the president.
“This measure ensures that the prices of basic necessities remain stable and accessible to consumers during the rehabilitation period,” DTI’s Fair Trade Group said.
The price freeze covers essential food items such as rice, corn, bread, fresh, dried and canned fish and other marine products, fresh pork, beef and poultry, eggs, milk, vegetables, root crops, coffee, sugar, cooking oil, and salt.
It also includes household necessities such as laundry soap, detergent, firewood, charcoal, and candles, as well as medicines classified essential by the Department of Health.
Consumers may check prevailing price ceilings through the e-Presyo section of the DTI website.
DTI advised consumers to report retailers selling the aforementioned items more than the prices specified in the price freeze bulletin.
Violators of the Price Act may face fines of up to P1 million and/or imprisonment of up to 10 years.
