A 60-day price freeze on basic commodities is now in effect in Western Visayas and five other regions ravaged by super Typhoon “Odette.”
The Department of Trade and Industry on Thursday, December 23, informed consumers and retailers that based on Section 6 of Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act, prices of basic necessities in an area proclaimed under a state of calamity shall be automatically frozen at their prevailing prices or placed under automatic price control for a period of 60 days unless sooner lifted.
The 60-day Price Freeze on all basic necessities was declared in Regions 4B (MIMAROPA), 6 (Western Visayas), 7 (Central Visayas), 8 (Eastern Visayas), 10 (Northern Mindanao), and 13 (CARAGA), the DTI said.
Violators should be reported to ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph or through the Consumer Care Hotline 1-384 (1-DTI).
President Rodrigo Duterte issued Proclamation 1267 declaring a state of calamity in the six regions on December 21, following the devastation caused by Typhoon Odette.
It will remain in effect for one year unless sooner lifted in accordance with the law.
The declaration will effectively control the prices of basic goods and commodities in the affected areas, and afford the national government as well as local government units ample latitude to utilize appropriate funds for recovery, relief and rehabilitation, the president said.*