• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR. / THERESA MAE DULMAN
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Occidental intensified monitoring in all supermarkets and stores across the province to ensure that the establishments adhere to the strict implementation of the price freeze after the province was placed under a state of calamity.
Since the declaration on November 6, DTI-Negros Occidental Director Lynna Joy Cardinal said that all concerned government agencies have been directed to conduct physical monitoring to determine the prevailing prices and ensure that it will stay as is.
“The prevailing price of basic necessities should be based on the average price a month before the calamity occurred,” Cardinal explained.
During the 60-day price freeze, basic necessities such as canned sardines, instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, detergent, laundry soap, and salt are monitored.
Meanwhile, due to the demand for commodities, some localities in the province have reported low stocks of certain basic goods. While deliveries continue to arrive, some items have been delayed due to the suspension of sea transport operations, Cardinal explained.
Authorities also reminded businesses that penalties shall be imposed if they are found guilty of violating the price freeze amid the state of calamity.
“In normal times, we still allow them to explain, but during a calamity, due process proceeds immediately. We need to protect consumers,” she added.
Under Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, the DTI is mandated to impose a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities in areas declared under a state of calamity to prevent profiteering and hoarding.
BACOLOD CITY
The city government of Bacolod has officially placed an Automatic Price Control (APC) on basic necessities following the declaration of a State of Calamity due to Typhoon Tino.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, who chairs the Bacolod City-Local Price Coordinating Council (BC-LPCC), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Negros Occidental Provincial Director Lynna Joy Cardinal, have signed the APC to strictly enforce a price freeze across all major establishments.
City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo said that the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC) was convened to implement measures ensuring compliance with the automatic price freeze on basic commodities.
He added that joint inspections will be conducted among department stores and grocery outlets in coordination with the DTI and other relevant agencies.
“Actions will be taken following the results of inspections. If violations are found, the council has the authority to issue show cause orders and recommend the filing of charges,” Mayo emphasized.
Mayo clarified, however, that not all products are covered by the automatic price ceiling, notably generator sets that have become in-demand items during calamities.
“The council is focusing primarily on the main sources such as department stores and grocery chains. The bottom line is to protect consumers from those taking advantage of the situation.”
The BC-LPCC members include representatives from the City Legal Office, City Administrator’s Office, Business Permits and Licensing Office, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Bacolod City Police Office, and other key departments.*
