Belmonte revives price monitoring council

QUEZON CITY , Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has reactivated an inter-agency body that will ensure an adequate supply of goods and commodities and that residents are protected from undue price increases.

Belmonte issued Executive Order No. 11 mandating the revival of the Quezon City Price Coordinating Council (QCPCC) in time for the holiday season.

She said the body is in compliance with Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act of 1991, which mandates the creation of a local price coordinating council.

Aside from price monitoring, the council is also mandated to coordinate efforts to stabilize prices and supply of basic goods and prime commodities in the city.

It can also recommend suggested retail prices or price ceilings for certain basic and prime commodities to the National Price Coordinating Council or other concerned agencies.

It can hold public hearings and dialogues with stakeholders to discuss price ceilings and can recommend actions or steps to correct unwarranted price increase and supply shortages, among others.

During emergencies, the council can convene to coordinate measures such as price and supply monitoring activities.

The mayor will serve as the QCPCC chairperson, with the city administrator and the regional director Department of Trade and Industry serving as co-vice chairpersons.