• GILBERT P. BAYORAN / THERESA MAE DULMAN
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has reminded authorities to ensure that prices of basic goods and prime commodities remain stable during this critical time in the provinces severely affected by Typhoon Tino.
Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental are among the provinces in Visayas hit by the typhoon, which claimed the lives of 70 persons, as Nov. 7.
As the principal author of Republic Act No. 10623, which amended the law to provide protection to consumers by stabilizing the prices of basic commodities during disasters and emergency situation, Escudero said prices should be closely monitored to stop the abuse and exploitation by unscrupulous merchants.
RA 10623 expanded the coverage of basic necessities and prime commodities to ensure that consumers are given more protection from undue price increases during times of calamities or disasters.
Basic necessities now include potable water in bottles and containers, fresh fruits, locally manufactured instant noodles, household liquefied petroleum gas, and kerosene. Livestock and fishery feeds were included in the list of prime commodities.
By placing Negros Occidental under a state of calamity, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said there will be price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities, to prevent hoarding and overpricing.
Under the law, price control of basic necessities is in effect for the duration of the state of calamity or emergency but not exceeding 60 days or in the event the President lifts the declaration earlier.
In the case of basic necessities that are wholly imported or deregulated under the existing laws, the price control will only be in effect for a maximum of 15 days. Any person who commits price manipulation, hoarding, profiteering, and cartel-like activities face heavy penalties that include fines and imprisonment.
BACOLOD RESPONSE
As a response to various complaints of unfair pricing in the wake of Typhoon Tino, the Bacolod City Local Price Coordinating Council (BC-LPCC) has been established by the city government through Executive Order no. 71.
The BC-LPCC is mandated to ensure the price and supply stability of basic necessities and prime commodities in the city.
The action comes amid the reports that some Bacolod establishments were taking advantage of the post-typhoon struggle through exorbitant pricing.
Mayor Greg Gasataya issued a warning that any individual or businesses found to break pricing will face penalties.
Before the issued order, Bacolod City acting Vice Mayor, Councilor Caesar Distrito, already stated that businesses attempting to overprice during the state of calamity can be penalized by the court.
Aside from the imposed imprisonment and fine, the city can also revoke their business permit for the violation of the price control law during the state of calamity.
“The purpose of this intervention is that we should not be taking advantage of the calamity for personal profit of some of the unscrupulous business owners,” Distrito said.
He added that “everybody suffers in this disaster, we should help one another.”
The councilor emphasized that the price of goods in the market during pre-disaster time should remain the same. This includes construction materials and services.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which chairs the National Price Coordinating Council, has implemented a 60-day price freeze nationwide, until lifted by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“The DTI is working round-the-clock with manufacturers, retailers, and distributors to ensure sufficient and steady stock of basic necessities and prime commodities. DTI Regional and Provincial Offices are on heightened alert and mobilized to enforce compliance with the price freeze and maintain adequate supply nationwide,” DTI said in a statement.
A nationwide state of calamity was approved on Thursday by the president.*
