Manila imposes price freeze on basic goods

MANILA, Philippines — A 60-day price freeze on basic commodities in Manila has been enforced as the city remains on full alert amid Super Typhoon Uwan.

Prices of rice, bread, eggs, vegetables, milk, cooking oil, kerosene, liquefied petroleum gas and essential medicines will be maintained at their prevailing rates, the city government said.

Price manipulation, including hoarding, profiteering or forming cartels to artificially inflate prices, is a crime.

The local government mobilized health and social welfare departments to ensure preparedness for Uwan.

Manila implemented preemptive measures after the state weather bureau placed Metro Manila under Signal No. 3.

All seven city-run hospitals have been placed under Code White status, signaling readiness of health personnel, equipment and medical supplies for potential storm-related emergencies, Manila Health Department chief Dr. Grace Padilla said.

The department has also prepositioned 25,000 capsules of doxycycline to prevent outbreaks of leptospirosis.

The city’s Department of Social Welfare has prepared 28 evacuation centers for families affected by flooding.

Relief goods and hot meals have been prepositioned in coordination with barangay units, according to city social welfare officer Jay De la Fuente.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, 531 people were taking shelter at evacuation sites.

Residents along rivers, creeks and other high-risk areas have been relocated to schools and barangay halls.