A 15-day price freeze is now in effect in over 40 areas across the Philippines after they were placed under a state of calamity due to torrential rains, widespread flooding, and the impact of multiple storms since last week.
The Department of Energy (DOE) and Department of Health (DOH) have reminded businesses to strictly comply with the price cap on essential goods—including fuel, cooking gas, and medicine—to protect consumers during this emergency.
“Alam naman po natin kapag ang isang lugar po ay nagkaroon ng deklarasyon ng state of calamity, dapat po magkakaroon po tayo ng price freeze. Hindi pupuwedeng itaas ang presyo ng LPG—lalong-lalo na sa household— sa loob ng labinlimang araw,” said Energy Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan during an interview with PTV4.
Among the areas currently under a state of calamity are major cities like Quezon City and Cavite, along with several municipalities in Bulacan, Pangasinan, Antique, and parts of Metro Manila.
Under the Price Act (RA 7581), declaring a state of calamity automatically activates a price freeze on basic necessities to prevent profiteering. This includes goods like rice, canned goods, bottled water, salt, soap, LPG, and kerosene, among others.
The Department of Health also issued a separate reminder to the public ordering a price freeze on 148 essential medicines, including maintenance drugs for chronic diseases. This order will last for 60 days.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) also assured the public that prices of agricultural goods are expected to remain stable, despite the combined impact of Severe Tropical Storm Crising and the enhanced southwest monsoon.
“We are not seeing any significant price surges for now, even for vegetables,” said DA Spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa.
Meanwhile, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) warned that violations of the price freeze order may result in penalties of up to PHP1 million and imprisonment of up to 10 years, under the Price Act.
The DTI also reminded businesses in affected areas to strictly comply with the order, which will remain in effect for a maximum of 60 days unless lifted earlier by the President.
It urged consumers to report retailers, distributors, or manufacturers caught selling basic goods above prevailing prices.
