DTI activates monitoring team to enforce price freeze

PRICE FREEZE. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual (right) during a DTI price monitoring on Nov. 29, 2023. Pascual reminded establishments and consumers of the price freeze in Metro Manila after it was placed under a state of calamity on Wednesday (July 24, 2024) due to severe flooding caused by Typhoon Carina and the enhanced southwest monsoon. (PNA file photo by Yancy Lim)

MANILA – Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Alfredo Pascual said Wednesday the agency activated its monitoring team to check if supermarkets and groceries are following the price freeze in areas declared under a state of calamity due to Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.

Under the Price Act, necessities are automatically put under a price freeze at their prevailing prices for not more than 60 days.

READ: DTI orders price freeze in Metro Manila amid state of calamity

“We have activated our monitoring teams to strictly enforce the price freeze,” Pascual said in a statement.

“The price freeze, effective immediately, aims to protect consumers from unjust price increases during this time of crisis.”

The Metro Manila Council (MMC) on Wednesday placed the entire National Capital Region (NCR) under a state of calamity due to widespread flooding.

Among the necessities being monitored by the DTI are bread, canned fish and other marine products, potable water in bottles and containers, processed milk, locally manufactured instant noodles, coffee, salt, laundry soap, detergent, and candles.

“We are committed to ensuring that basic goods remain affordable and accessible to all affected residents,” Pascual said.

READ: LIVE UPDATES: Typhoon Carina

He added that those found violating the law, including those found profiteering and hoarding during a state of calamity, would face penalties, including imprisonment.

“We urge all establishments to comply with the price freeze and prioritize the well-being of our fellow citizens during this difficult time,” Pascual said.

Consumers are also urged to report any overpricing and violations to the department’s Consumer Care Hotline 1-DTI (384) or via e-mail at [email protected].