Price freeze issued in areas under state of calamity due to Kristine

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued a price freeze on basic necessities in areas declared under state of calamity amid the onslaught of Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).

Under the Price Act, a 60-day automatic price freeze is implemented when a state of calamity is declared, covering goods such as canned fish, locally manufactured instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, laundry soap, detergent, and salt.

“Our on-the-ground regional and provincial offices actively monitor prices and supply levels of products without our jurisdiction in affected areas,” DTI Acting Secretary Cristina Roque said in a statement.

“In close coordination with the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), we are prepared to enforce the automatic price freeze that accompanies any state of calamity declaration,” she added.

Albay was placed under a state of calamity on Tuesday as the provincial government cited the continuous rainfall that resulted in flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.

Magpet town in Cotabato is also currently under a state of calamity.

Violators of the price freeze will face penalties of imprisonment for a period of one year to ten years or a fine ranging from P5,000 to P1 million, or both, at the discretion of the court.

The DTI has urged consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers selling above the prevailing prices.

“The DTI will take strong action against any violations, which may include administrative cases and fines,” Roque said.

At 11 a.m. Wednesday, the state weather bureau PAGASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2 over 31 areas in Luzon as Kristine maintained its strength and accelerated on its way to the Isabela area.

Kristine was last located 200 kilometers east of Casiguran, Aurora, packing maximum sustained winds of 85 kilometers per hour (km/h) near the center and gustiness of up to 105 km/h, while moving north northwestward at 30 km/h. — VBL, GMA Integrated News