MANILA – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) issued a stern warning to all business establishments to strictly follow the prize freeze, saying violators will be dealt with severe consequences.
This was reiterated by DTI after the announcement of a prize freeze after the Metro Manila Council (MMC) declared Metro Manila under a state of calamity, as well as Batangas province, due to the severe effects of Super typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon, locally called as “habagat”.
In addition, the DTI announced that the price freeze will be implemented in Cainta, Rizal; Cavite, Oriental Mindoro, Bataan and Bulacan.
(Photo courtesy of DTI)
According to the DTI, the prize freeze is meant to protect consumers against those who might attempt to exploit the crisis.
"The price freeze, effective immediately, aims to protect consumers from unjust price increases during this time of crisis," said DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual in a statement.
"This price control includes essential goods such as rice, corn, bread, fresh vegetables, roots crops, pork, beef, poultry, eggs, milk, coffee, sugar, cooking oil, salt, laundry soap, detergent, firewood, charcoal, candles, and certain medicines classified as essential by the Department of Health,” Pascual added.
(Courtesy of DTI)
Aside from essential goods, the DTI also warned hotels and transient homes against “price gouging” or the unjust increasing of prices on goods and services.
The DTI stated that if found violating the price freeze, business establishments will face heavy fines as well as possible criminal charges in line with the Price Act.
Together with local government units in Metro Manila and Batangas, the DTI is closely monitoring business establishments and how they treat consumers during this time of crisis, the DTI emphasized.
“The DTI is enjoining the public to report any incidences of overpricing and similar violations to the DTI Consumer Care Hotline 1-384 or email address [email protected],” DTI added.
