DTI: Business establishments must comply with the price freeze
Philippines , 25 November 2020
With a state of calamity declared under the Luzon Island Group for 60 days by virtue of Proclamation No. 1051, the Department of Trade and Industry releases the price freeze list of basic necessities (BN).
Pursuant to Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act, as amended by RA 10623, the BN under the DTI’s jurisdiction includes canned fish and other marine products, locally manufactured instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, laundry soap, detergent, and salt. Further, prices of basic necessities are automatically under price control at their prevailing prices for sixty (60) days once a state of calamity (SOC) is declared in an area.
DTI Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo underscores, “Even before the issuance of Proclamation No. 1051, other provinces have declared a SOC due to the gravity and extent of damage caused by the previous typhoons and as a result where the DTI immediately issued the price freeze lists of basic necessities.”
The latest price freeze list issued by the Department applies to all supermarkets, groceries, and wet markets in the provinces, cities, and municipalities of the different Regions in Luzon including the National Capital Region.
Undersecretary Castelo reminds business establishments that any violation of the price freeze will lead to a penalty of imprisonment for a period of one (1) year to ten (10) years, or a fine ranging from P5,000 to P1M or both, at the discretion of the court.
The complete list of the price freeze bulletins issued by the DTI can be accessed through https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/16QxhzHfX3OLBGF-804SLwFH8DRnQJXxj or go to https://www.dti.gov.ph/konsyumer/e-presyo/ and click the price freeze tab.
Consumers are enjoined to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell basic necessities above their prevailing prices via One-DTI (1-384) Hotline or email, ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph.
