Price freeze ordered in Ilagan, Isabela

MANILA, Philippines – A price freeze has been imposed in Ilagan City, Isabela after the local government declared a state of calamity due to Typhoon Lando (international name Koppu).

Prices of basic goods such as canned sardines, processed milk, bottled water, locally manufactured instant noodles, rice, corn, sugar, salt, coffee, fresh pork, fresh beef, fresh poultry meat, fresh and dried fish must be unchanged for the next 60 days. The price freeze also covers other marine products, detergent soap, fresh egg, fresh milk, fresh fruits, fresh vegetables and root crops.

The prices of household liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene shall also remain the same within the next 15 days since it is now considered as a basic necessity.

Price freeze on basic goods are automatically imposed in areas under a state of calamity based on the Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act.

Those who will violate the price freeze and commit illegal price manipulation like profiteering will be penalized with imprisonment of five years to 15 years and will be fined P5,000 to P1 million.

According to reports, provinces of Aurora and Pangasinan are also mulling the declaration of a state of calamity due to the typhoon.