Iloilo City, Philippines—In response to the declaration of a state of calamity due to the dengue outbreak, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6 has enforced a price freeze on basic necessities in 44 local government units in Iloilo.

The price freeze will remain in effect across Iloilo City from August 28 to October 19, as well as in Passi City and 42 other municipalities within the province from August 20 to October 19 this year. This measure is aimed at ensuring that essential goods remain accessible and affordable for affected communities during the ongoing state of calamity, providing relief to households impacted by the dengue outbreak

DTI Region 6 Director Rachel Nufable assured the public that the DTI and its Consumer Protection Division are closely collaborating with the local government to monitor compliance with the price freeze.

Consumer Protection Division Chief Grace Benedicto also emphasized their constant vigilance in monitoring price movements, particularly during crises.

“The DTI conducts daily monitoring of retailers to ensure that prices of basic necessities adhere to the price freeze,” said Benedicto.

This initiative aligns with Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, which automatically freezes prices basic necessities at their prevailing prices for 60 days following a state of calamity declaration. The price freeze remains in place unless lifted earlier by the President, protecting consumers from undue price increases during emergencies.

DTI Region 6 consistently monitors retailers to ensure they comply with the price freeze, which covers a range of basic necessities, including canned fish, processed milk, coffee, detergent, laundry soap, bread, instant noodles, salt, bottled water, and candles.

Businesses found violating the price freeze face severe penalties under the Price Act, including imprisonment from one to ten years or a fine as determined by the court.

The public is encouraged to report retailers selling basic necessities above the specified price freeze to the DTI Region 6 Office or the nearest DTI Provincial Office. ♦

Date of release: 19 September 2024

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