Gov’t enforces 60-day price freeze in calamity-hit areas

Due to the onslaught of tropical cyclones and the southwest monsoon, over 40 areas have declared a state of calamity, automatically activating a 60-day price freeze under RA 7581, or the Price Act, to prohibit price hikes on basic goods.

Took effect on July 23, Manila City administration imposed the said act after declaring a state of calamity, emphasizing that basic needs such as rice, corn, bread, fresh vegetables, root crops, pork, beef, poultry, eggs, milk, coffee, sugar, cooking oil, salt, laundry soap, detergent, firewood, charcoal, and candles are vital to consumers’ sustenance, especially in times of disaster.

“Under the same law, price manipulations like hoarding, profiteering, or offering basic and prime commodities at grossly excessive prices, or engaging in a cartel to artificially increase prices are prohibited and considered illegal,” according to a document posted by the Office of the City Administrator. 

Flash floods also brought by the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) to Samar, Mindanao, Datu Piang (Maguindanao del Sur), and Kumalarang (Zamboanga del Sur) were prompted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to enforce price freeze in these areas as well, communicating with retailers to ensure market stability.

“To every Filipino affected by these calamities: please know that the DTI is here for you… The government is working hard to ensure that basic necessities remain available and affordable for your families,” DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque said.

Moreover, the Department of Health (DOH) set a price freeze on 148 medicines commonly used for “fever, infections, hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and other life-threatening conditions.”

“Prize Freeze is effective within 60 days from the declaration of a state of calamity in a locality, unless the President lifts it at an earlier date,” the DOH said in an advisory.

Under the Price Act, businesses, retailers, distributors, and manufacturers in calamity‑stricken areas that violate the law face “a penalty of imprisonment for a period of one to ten years, or a fine ranging from Php 5,000 to Php 1,000,000, or both, at the discretion of the court,” and consumers may report them to the DTI Consumer Complaints Assistance and Resolution System (CAReS).