Western Visayas – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VI has implemented a price freeze on basic necessities in 44 local government units (LGUs) in Iloilo that are under a state of calamity due to a dengue outbreak.
The price freeze is currently in effect in Iloilo City and 42 municipalities of the entire Province of Iloilo.
Under Republic Act No. 7581, known as the Price Act, prices of basic necessities are automatically frozen for 60 days when an area is declared under a state of calamity.
The DTI is conducting daily monitoring of retailers to ensure compliance with the price freeze on basic necessities, including canned fish, processed milk, coffee, detergent, laundry soap, bread, instant noodles, salt, bottled water, and candles.
DTI Region VI Regional Director Rachel Nufable assured the public that the DTI Provincial Offices and the Consumer Protection Division are working closely with LGUs to monitor the implementation of the price freeze.
Business establishments found violating the price freeze may face imprisonment for 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 Regional Office VI or the nearest DTI Provincial Office.