DTI orders price freeze in two Oriental Mindoro towns

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) imposed a 60-day price freeze on essential commodities in the municipalities of Bulalacao and Mansalay in Oriental Mindoro, which are both placed under state of calamity.

In a statement on Monday, the DTI said it imposed the price freeze to help residents affected by the severe drought in these areas  due to the El Niño phenomenon.

READ: Another Oriental Mindoro town under state of calamity due to drought

“In view of this, and pursuant to Section 6 of Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act as amended, the prices of necessities are automatically frozen at their prevailing prices for 60 days starting Feb 26, 2024 in Bulalacao, and March 7, 2023 in Mansalay,” the agency added.

Products covered

Among the basic necessities under DTI’s jurisdiction are canned fish and other marine products, processed milk (evaporated, condensed, and powdered milk), coffee, laundry or detergent soap, candles, bread (tasty and pandesal), iodized salt, instant noodles, and bottled water.

The agency’s provincial monitoring and enforcement teams will keep an eye on the pricing and availability of essential goods within the  said areas.

DTI warned that those who will not comply with the 60-day price freeze may face a penalty of imprisonment of up to one to 10 years and a fine ranging from P5,000 to P1 million.