DTI enforces price freeze in typhoon-hit Bicol

By Sally Altea

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has activated monitoring teams to ensure compliance with the price freeze in areas of Bicol affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.

In accordance with RA 7581, the Price Act, essential goods are automatically subject to a price freeze for up to 60 days during a calamity. The DTI has issued a circular instructing wet markets, supermarkets, grocery stores, bakeries, and water refilling stations to enforce the price freeze, which took effect immediately.

Noel Bunao, DTI officer in charge for Albay, emphasized that the price freeze aims to protect consumers from unfair price increases during this crisis.

Last week, local government units declared a state of calamity in Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes due to widespread flooding and landslides.

The DTI is closely monitoring prices of essential goods, including canned sardines, evaporated and condensed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergent powder, candles, bread, salt, bottled water, and locally manufactured instant noodles. Other essential food items under surveillance include rice, corn, fresh eggs, fresh pork, beef, and poultry meat.

Bunao emphasized that those found in violation of the price ceiling could face prison sentences ranging from one year to 10 years, along with fines ranging from ₱5,000 to ₱1 million.

“We urge all establishments to comply with the price freeze and not take advantage of this challenging situation,” he added.

Bunao said consumers can refer to the price bulletin issued by the DTI to check the current prices.

Elsa Teala, a mother of three from Legazpi City, said the price freeze is a significant aid for consumers, especially after a disaster.

She said, “It’s a relief that the government has put these measures in place to regulate the supply and prices of essential goods, particularly since some sellers might take advantage of the crisis to increase their profits.”

Anita Ayende, a rice trader from Daraga, Albay, expressed her gratitude for the price freeze, noting that it benefits her as a consumer as well. However, she urges the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to ensure strict enforcement of the policy.

“As a consumer, the price freeze is a significant help, especially since we are also impacted by calamities. I hope the DTI will enforce this rigorously because some sellers take advantage of the situation, especially when supply is affected,” she said.

Bunao encouraged consumers to report any instances of overpricing or violations to DTI Region 5 at 0919-572-0171 or DTI Albay at 0918-948-5220. Messages can also be sent to their official Facebook pages: @DTI Region V Bicol or @DTI Albay.

Kristine, the 11th cyclone to hit the country this year, caused heavy rainfall in Bicol, leading to landslides and severe flooding. (PIA5/Albay)