DTI declares price freeze on all basic commodities

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry has declared price freeze on basic necessities in Cebu province, following the declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte of state of lawless violence.

Zaide Bation, consumer welfare head at DTI-Cebu, said the price freeze order took effect on Sept. 21.

"Price freeze covers the whole province. Retailers are strongly advised to comply with the set price ceiling," she told The FREEMAN yesterday.

According to the Price Act, a price freeze is implemented when there is a declaration of state of emergency, state of calamity/disaster, state of rebellion, state of war, suspension of privilege of Writ of Habeas Corpus or martial law.

"Consumers are requested to inform DTI of retailers that are not complying with the price freeze," Bation said.

She said the price freeze order, which is product and brand specific, lasts for 60 days unless lifted by the President. 

Violators of the price freeze order could be fined administratively up to P1 million, she said.

The fine is subject to circumstances and after due notice and hearing.

The Price Act provides protection to consumers by stabilizing the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities and by prescribing measures against undue price increases during emergency situations.

Price freeze covers basic necessities like canned sardines, processed milk, coffee, instant noodles, canned goods, bottled mineral water, laundry soap, and detergent.

Last Sept. 5, the country was placed under a state of national emergency or state of lawless violence in the wake of the Davao City bombing which killed several civilians, through Proclamation No. 55 by President Duterte.

The Davao bombing claimed the lives of 14 people and left more than 60 others injured.—  (FREEMAN)