CEBU, Philippines - Good news for consumers. The Department of Trade and Industry – 7 has declared a ‘price freeze’ on all goods in Central Visayas.
Zaide Bation, head of DTI-7’s Consumer Welfare and Business Regulation Division, said the ‘price freeze’ was implemented to prevent overpricing of basic goods especially that the holiday season is fast approaching.
Bation said DTI also expected a possible overpricing of basic commodities in Cebu City especially that the city was placed under a state of calamity following heavy flooding, which was caused by typhoon Mario a week ago.
“Duna na tay gipang-price freeze in order to avoid abuses kay luoy man sad atong mga consumers,”Bation told The FREEMAN.
Based on the Price Act, the basic necessities assigned to DTI include canned fish and other marine products, processed 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.
Meanwhile, the products assigned to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) include firewood and charcoal while those assigned to the Department of Health include drugs classified as essential by the agency.
The Price Act provides that any retailer found selling more than the listed prevailing prices shall be fined administratively up to P1 million and may be imprisoned to a maximum of 10 years.
Section 6 of the Act also says that 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.”
DTI clarified that convenience stores are not exempted from the price freeze. However, during “normal times”, convenience stores may sell basic necessities and prime commodities up to a maximum of 15 percent over the Suggested Retail Price (SRPs).
Bation called on consumers to report to DTI stores that sell overpriced goods.
“Magpatabang ang DTI sa consumers in checking prices sa mga tindahan and they can call us at 255-0036 local 301, 302, and 303,” she said.
She assured that DTI will not waste time in responding to reports. — /JMO (FREEMAN)