DTI-NegOcc monitors prices of basic goods amid Covid-19 woe

BACOLOD. Price freeze among basic necessities is currently taking effect in Negros Occidental, following the declaration of state of public health emergency due to Covid-19. (Photo by Erwin P. Nicavera)
BACOLOD. Price freeze among basic necessities is currently taking effect in Negros Occidental, following the declaration of state of public health emergency due to Covid-19. (Photo by Erwin P. Nicavera)

FOLLOWING the declaration of state of public health emergency amid the growing number of confirmed coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Occidental is closely monitoring the prices of basic necessities among stores in the province, its official said.

Romel Amihan, Consumer Protection Unit head of DTI-Negros Occidental, Thursday, March 12, said the price freeze on all basic goods is also taking effect in the province pursuant to the Republic Act 7581 or Price Act.

Under the law, the price freeze is implemented when there is a declaration of state of emergency, calamity, disaster, rebellion and war, suspension of privilege of writ of habeas corpus, and martial law.

The freeze is effective 60 days for basic necessities and 15 days for liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and kerosene.

For DTI, the basic goods covered by the price freeze include canned fish and other marine products, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergent, candles, bread, salt, potable water in bottles and containers, as well as locally-manufactured instant noodles.

Amihan said they are currently on the process of establishing a baseline data or reference with regards to the freezing of prices. DTI-Negros Occidental is set to submit it to the regional office in Iloilo City within the week.

“This will serve as our basis as to whether there are movements in the prices of basic goods within the period of 60 days since Proclamation No. 922 was issued by President Rodrigo Duterte,” he said, adding that the basis will be the previous data gathered by the agency through its regular monitoring.

Pending such reference from the Central Office, DTI-Negros Occidental is monitoring if there’s already a significant movement in the prices of basic goods, the official also said.

Other products covered by the price freeze include rice, corn, cooking oil, fresh, dried and other marine products, fresh eggs, fresh pork, beef and vegetables, root crops, sugar and fresh fruits which are under the monitoring of the Department of Agriculture.

Also covered by the price freeze are firewood and charcoal under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), drugs classified as essential under the Department of Health (DOH), and household LPG and kerosene under the Department of Energy (DOE).

In Negros Occidental, the DTI has already warned establishments to observe and comply with the price freeze.

Amihan said violators are subject to corresponding penalties provided under Price Act and Consumer Act, including those for profiteering.

Consumers to report erring establishments through DTI-Negros Occidental hotline number 434-7920, he added.

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