PRICES and supplies of basic necessities in Negros Occidental have remained steady amid the ongoing enhanced community quarantine due to coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, an official of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.
Romel Amihan, Consumer Protection Unit head of DTI-Negros Occidental, said results of their daily monitoring showed that local retail stores are still compliant to the prevailing automatic price control (APC).
"This means that prices are still within the allowable range or price freeze reference released by the agency," he added.
The APC for basic goods took effect on March 8, a day after President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of public health emergency.
Prices of basic necessities shall be frozen at their prevailing prices from 60 days unless lifted by the President as provided under Section 6 of Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act.
For DTI's monitoring, 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.
Any seller who commits any act of illegal price manipulation or violation of the Price Act shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to P2 million.
In terms of supply, Amihan said though there were instances that there are insufficient stocks basic goods in the market.
But supplies are immediately replenished, Amihan pointed out.
For masks, alcohol and related medical supplies, however, supplies are still limited, he added.
It can be recalled that the enhanced community quarantine in Negros Occidental and Bacolod City is extended until April 30.
But the price freeze is taking effect until second week of May.
Pursuant to the Joint Memorandum Circular of the DTI, Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Health (DOH), prices of basic necessities under the jurisdiction of these agencies are frozen at their prevailing prices as of March 8 until May 15 unless sooner lifted by the President.
During this period, the implementing agencies shall ensure that the price freeze is strictly implemented and enforced. These basic necessities include, among others, food, water, agricultural products, medicine, and medical supplies.
"We will continue to conduct regular monitoring to ensure that the automatic price control is being complied," Amihan said.
Business counselors of all Negosyo Centers in the province are still being deployed to help in the monitoring of prices and supplies, he added.