Caloocan reorganizes price coordinating council

To ensure that prices of basic goods remain low and reasonable amid the implementation of the much-contested expanded value added tax (EVAT), Caloocan City Mayor Enrico "Recom" Echiverri reorganized and constituted the Local Price Coordinating Council (LPCC).

Echiverri said the creation of the council is provided under Section 5 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 7581 which empowers the local government unit and its local chief executive to activate its LPCC.

Republic Act 7581, or the Price Act of 1991, provides protection to consumers by stabilizing the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, especially during emergency situations.

The mayor said the recent increase in the price of basic commodities brought about by the impact of international oil price adjustments and the EVAT continuously hound the general public, especially the less privileged consumers.

Among the duties and functions of the coordinating council, as stated in Executive Order 030-05, are to facilitate close coordination with and between and among member agencies for rationalizing, analyzing and implementing the agencies’ programs to stabilize prices and supply.

Other tasks include recommending to the National Price Coordinating Council the price ceilings for certain basic commodities in their respective areas.

The LPCC chairman may also conduct public hearing or dialogue with representatives of Department of Interior and Local Government, producers, manufacturers, distributors, sellers and consumers to arrive at a reasonable price ceiling.

The council is also mandated to conduct in-depth analysis on cause of price fluctuations and recommend action steps to correct unwarranted price increases and supply shortages.

Echiverri will be the council chairman while Trade and Industry Provincial Director for the Camanava Area Ernani Dionisio will be the vice chairman.

City Administrator Romeo Alcantara will be the action officer. Members of the council are Councilor and chairman of committee on trade and commerce Dante Prado, Councilor and Liga ng mga Barangay president Ricojudge Janvier Echiverri; City Police chief Senior Superintendent Leo Garra, City Health Officer Dr. Raquel So-Sayo, Division of City Schools superintendent Elizabeth Manalo; Business Permits and Licensing Office chief Melanie Malaya; City Prosecutor Ramon Rodrigo; market officer Francisco Zatarin; DILG Director Ruben Ramirez and Caloocan City Chamber of Commerce and Industry chairman Antonio Sy-Que.