CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga – With the recent declaration of a State of Calamity in Pampanga due to severe weather disturbances, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) 3 has implemented an automatic price freeze on basic necessities, in accordance with Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act, as amended.
Under the Price Act, the prices of essential goods shall remain at their prevailing levels for 60 days unless lifted earlier by the President.
This measure covers basic items such as rice, bread, canned and dried fish, fresh meat, poultry, eggs, milk, vegetables, root crops, sugar, cooking oil, salt, laundry soap, detergents, candles, firewood, charcoal, and essential medicines as classified by the Department of Health.
DTI Central Luzon Regional Director Edna D. Dizon urged retailers in Pampanga to strictly adhere to the mandated price freeze.
“We recognize the difficulties our kababayans are facing. It is crucial that prices of basic goods remain fair and stable, especially during times of crisis,” she said.
Currently, market conditions in Pampanga remain stable. Prices of basic necessities and prime commodities are within the latest Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs), inventories are sufficient for up to a month, and no incidents of profiteering or panic buying have been reported.
DTI 3, through its provincial office and Consumer Protection Division, has also been actively monitoring prices and supply since before the onset of Typhoon Crising to mitigate any potential disruptions.
The agency warned that businesses who will be found guilty of overpricing, hoarding, or other unfair practices may face penalties ranging from P5,000 to P1,000,000 and/or imprisonment of up to 10 years.
Meanwhile, consumers in Pampanga are encouraged to report any violations or abnormal price movements to the DTI Consumer Care Hotline at 1-384 or contact their nearest DTI office.
DTI likewise calls on all stakeholders in Pampanga to act with compassion and integrity in order to safeguard consumer welfare and support the community’s recovery. (MJSC, PIA Region 3-Pampanga)