Makati City, Philippines—On August 20, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Acting Secretary Cristina Roque led a joint price monitoring operation targeting wet markets and supermarkets. This initiative underscores the Department’s enhanced monitoring sending a firm reminder to potential violators of the price freeze on basic necessities.

Together with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Makati City Local Government Unit (LGU), the DTI chief inspected 12 wet market stalls and two grocery stores in Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo to ensure compliance with the price freeze on basic necessities.

“The DTI is committed to safeguarding fair markets for both consumers and businesses. Our aim is not to impede business operations, but rather to support legitimate businesses and protect consumers from profiteering and hoarding in the market,” said DTI Acting Secretary Roque.

“We want to ensure fair pricing, especially during these challenging times,” she added.

All monitored supermarkets in the area were found to be fully compliant with fair trade practices. In addition, the monitoring teams verified that the public market’s “Timbangan ng Bayan” (public weighing scale) was properly calibrated and that an updated price board was clearly displayed.

Also, in attendance were officials from the DTI including Fair Trade Group Supervising Head and Assistant Secretary Agaton Teodoro Uvero, and Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) Director Fhillip Sawali.

Furthermore, DA Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevara and Director Junibert De Sagun were present, along with representatives from the Makati City Business Permits and Licensing Office and Economic Enterprises Management Office.

The DTI has been intensifying its monitoring efforts, following the declaration of a state of calamity in the National Capital Region on July 24, 2024, due to the onslaught of Typhoon Carina and the southwest monsoon.

To date, a total of 43 notices of violations (NOVs) have been issued to firms that failed to observe the mandated price freeze. As part of due process, stores have 48 hours from receipt of an NOV to submit a written explanation for their non-compliance.

“The DTI monitoring teams are actively present in the market to ensure sellers of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) adhere to the suggested retail prices. We are committed to protect Filipino consumers’ right to basic needs by making these goods accessible at reasonable prices,” Assistant Secretary Uvero said.

“Monitoring the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities is not just a reactive measure during calamities, but rather an integral part of the DTI’s regular function. This proactive approach is vital to prevent any attempts at overpricing or price manipulation,” FTEB Director Fhillip Sawali said.

In line with its mandate, the DTI heads the National Price Coordinating Council as provided under Republic Act (RA) No. 7581, or the Price Act, as amended by RA No. 10623.

The DTI bears the responsibility of overseeing the prices of manufactured goods such as canned fish, locally made instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, laundry soap, detergent, and salt.

Functioning as an implementing agency of the Price Act, the DA also ensures price stability and availability of agricultural products such as rice, corn, cooking oil, fresh produce, and other essential goods. Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) monitors the prices of essential drugs.

Furthermore, Section 6 of the Price Act mandates that prices in an area placed under a state of calamity or emergency shall be automatically frozen at their prevailing prices for a period of sixty 60 days, unless lifted sooner by the President.

To ensure widespread awareness, the price freeze bulletin was disseminated to the DTI offices, posted on the DTI online sites, and published in a widely circulated newspaper.

Violators found selling goods at prices above the listed prevailing prices may be subject to administrative charges with severe penalties, including an administrative fine of up to PHP 1 million and/or imprisonment for a maximum of 10 years.

Consumers are encouraged to report any retailers who sell basic necessities above the specified prices through the DTI Consumer Care Hotline (1-384) or via email at consumercare@dti.gov.ph. ♦