Price freeze hoisted over Metro Manila due to state of calamity —DTI

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Wednesday announced that price freeze on basic necessities is now in effect all over  the National Capital Region (NCR) following the declaration of a state of calamity by the Metro Manila Council (MMC) due to devastation brought by Super Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon or Habagat.

"The price freeze, effective immediately, aims to protect consumers from unjust price increases during this time of crisis," Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said in an advisory.

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

The price freeze will be in effect during the state of calamity. 

The DTI chief said the Trade Department is closely coordinating with its regional office in NCR to monitor the situation and guarantee the availability of essential goods.

The price freeze covers essential goods such as rice, corn, bread, fresh vegetables, roots crops, pork, beef, poultry, eggs, milk, coffee, sugar, cooking oil, salt, laundry soap, detergent, firewood, charcoal, candles, and certain medicines classified as essential by the Department of Health.

“We have activated our monitoring teams to strictly enforce the price freeze. Those found violating the law will face severe consequences, including imprisonment and substantial fines. 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.

"We understand the challenges faced by our kababayans in Metro Manila due to the typhoon. Rest assured that the DTI is working tirelessly to maintain price stability and safeguard the welfare of consumers," the Trade chief said.

Consumers are encouraged to report any overpricing or violations to the DTI Consumer Care Hotline at 1-384 or email consumercare@dti.gov.ph.—AOL, GMA Integrated News