State Of Calamity, DTI issues price freeze on basic goods in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry has implemented a price freeze on basic goods after the city council declared Cebu City in a state of calamity due to heavy flooding caused by typhoon Mario.

In a press statement, DTI Central Visayas Regional Director Asteria Caberte explained that with “the declaration of a state of calamity by a local government unit in a particular area the prices on basic goods shall automatically be frozen at their prevailing prices.”

DTI call on the local supermarkets to adhere to the order reminding them that price control has took effect after the state of calamity declaration last September 18.

In an interview yesterday, Consumer Welfare chief Zaide Bation of DTI-7 noted the price control would be effective for 60 days unless sooner lifted.

“As contained in Section 6 of RA 7581 otherwise known as the Price Act, a price freeze is automatically implemented as a preventive measure in order to thwart overpricing of goods such as processed milk, canned goods, coffee, laundry soap, detergent, candles, bread during times of calamities,” Caberte stated.

The Price Act lists the basic necessities assigned to DTI – canned fish and other marine products, pro-cessed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergent and bread; assigned to the Department of Agriculture  – rice, corn, cooking oil, fresh eggs, fresh pork/ beef and poultry meat, fresh milk, fresh vegetables, root crops, sugar, fresh/ dried and other marine products; assigned to Department of Environment and Natural Resources – firewood and charcoal; and the Department of Health – drugs classified as essential by DOH.

As chairperson of the National Price Coordinating Council, DTI coordinates with members from government and private sectors, to cooperate with one another during natural disasters and emergencies.

The Price Act says any retailer found selling more than the listed prevailing prices will have to pay an administrative fine of up to P1 million and/or maximum of 10-year imprisonment.

The agency's local officials met Tuesday with representatives of various Cebu supermarkets and grocery stores to talk about the possible effects of prize freeze of basic necessities and prime commodities.

Bation explained that during the prize control period, retailers cannot raise the price of any basic product they sell.

A list from DTI on prevailing prices of goods has showed 155g canned sardines of different brands are priced from P12.60 to P13.75. Nescafe coffee sells at P19.45 and P38.20 for 25g and 50g, respectively. Powdered milk brands are sold at P45.15 (150g Alaska Instant), P51 (150g Bear Brand), P77.40 (160g Nido Fortified), and P58 (150g Birch Tree). Detergent bars of various brands are sold from P18.05 to P18.95.

The DTI has said that if price is lower than price ceiling, retailers should not increase.

"If your price is higher than price ceiling, please lower your price and comply with the price ceiling. Please do not artificially manipulate the price or the supply."

Bation also urged consumers to report retailers who sell goods more than the specified prices. — (FREEMAN)