CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has implemented an automatic price freeze on basic necessities in areas in Central Luzon placed under a State of Calamity due to the effects of the continued heavy rainfall brought by the enhanced southwest monsoon.
Pursuant to Republic Act No. 7581, otherwise known as the Price Act, the price freeze covers the entire province of Pampanga as well as the municipalities of Calumpit in Bulacan and Masinloc in Zambales.
Under the Price Act, the prices of essential goods shall remain at their prevailing levels for 60 days unless lifted earlier by the President.
This measure covers basic items such as canned fish and other marine products, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergent, candles, bread, salt, bottled water, and locally manufactured instant noodles.
DTI Regional Director Edna Dizon explained that the measure aims to protect consumers from unreasonable price increases and ensure the continued availability and affordability of essential goods during and after a calamity.
She added that the agency will continue to monitor the prices and supply of covered products in retail establishments in the affected areas.
“We are coordinating with local government units and other concerned agencies to ensure the availability of basic necessities and protect consumers in calamity-affected communities,” she assured.
Relative to this, Dizon urges retailers and other establishments to comply with the automatic price freeze and maintain the prevailing prices of covered basic necessities.
She warned that businesses who will be found guilty of overpricing, hoarding, or other unfair practices may face penalties ranging from P5,000 to P1,000,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 10 years.
Consumers are encouraged to report any violations or abnormal price movements to the DTI Consumer Care Hotline at 1-384 or contact their nearest DTI office. (CLJD/MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)