MAKATI CITY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) MIMAROPA Region immediately released a price freeze bulletin on basic necessities in affected municipalities in Oriental Mindoro following the massive oil spill from MT Princess Empress Oil Tanker in Balingawan Point.

ln view of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 6290-2023, placing the municipalities of Pola, Naujan, Pinamalayan, Gloria, Bansud, Bongabong, Roxas, Mansalay, and Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro under a state of calamity, and pursuant to Section 6 of RA 7581 or the Price Act as amended, the prices of basic necessities under DTI’s jurisdiction are automatically frozen at their prevailing prices effective March 6, 2023, but not more than 60 days.

Basic necessities under DTI’s jurisdiction include canned fish and other marine products, processed milk (evaporated, condensed and powdered milk), coffee, laundry/ detergent soap, candles, bread (tasty and pandesal), iodized salt, instant noodles, and bottled water.

DTI MIMAROPA reminds establishments that violators shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment for a period of 1 year to 10 years, or a fine ranging from php5,000.00 to Php1,000,000.00 or both, at the discretion of the court aside from the applicable administrative penalties.

Meanwhile, DTI Oriental Mindoro is currently conducting intensified price and supply monitoring of basic necessities under the Department’s jurisdiction. ♦

Date of Release: 17 March 2023