DTI Imposes Price Freeze on Basic Goods in Calamity-Hit Provinces

Text by T&S Editorial Team

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 3 has enforced an automatic price freeze on basic necessities in Central Luzon provinces declared under a state of calamity following widespread flooding and heavy rains caused by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and tropical cyclones.

The measure is mandated under Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, as amended, which prohibits unreasonable price increases during calamities and other emergency situations.

As of September 1, five provinces have been placed under a state of calamity: Pampanga on August 12, Bulacan on August 17, Zambales on August 19, Bataan on August 20, and Tarlac on August 30.

Under the law, a state of calamity automatically triggers a 60-day price freeze on covered basic necessities. Prices must remain at their prevailing levels immediately before the declaration, unless the President lifts the price control earlier.

Pampanga was placed under a province-wide state of calamity through Provincial Resolution No. 10524 on August 12 amid extensive flooding.

Bulacan followed on August 17 through Provincial Resolution No. 708-T’2026, while Zambales declared a province-wide state of calamity on August 19 due to damage caused by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon.

Bataan was placed under a state of calamity on August 20 after significant damage to properties, agriculture and infrastructure was reported.

Tarlac became the fifth province in the region to be covered by the price freeze after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan approved Resolution No. 416-2026 on August 30 following widespread flooding and damage to major infrastructure.

Covered basic necessities include canned fish and other marine products, processed milk, coffee, bread, instant noodles, salt, laundry soap, detergent, candles and bottled water, among other goods identified under the applicable price freeze bulletin.

The DTI said its regional and provincial offices are conducting regular price and supply monitoring in affected communities to ensure compliance and prevent shortages.

The agency is also coordinating with local government units and Local Price Coordinating Councils to help maintain stable prices and adequate supplies of essential goods.

Retailers and other establishments were reminded to comply strictly with the price freeze and maintain sufficient stocks of covered products.

The DTI warned that businesses found increasing prices beyond the prescribed levels, hoarding basic necessities, creating artificial shortages or engaging in profiteering may face administrative and criminal sanctions under the Price Act.

Violations may carry penalties of up to 15 years in prison and fines of as much as P2 million.

Consumers are encouraged to report suspected violations, including unreasonable price increases, hoarding and profiteering, through the DTI Consumer Care Hotline at 1-384 or through DTI regional and provincial offices.

The DTI said it will continue monitoring markets across Central Luzon to protect consumers and ensure that essential goods remain available and reasonably priced during the ongoing calamity.