• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has imposed a 60-day price freeze on basic commodities in three local government units (LGUs) in Negros Occidental, which are under a state of calamity due to drought.
DTI provincial director Lynna Joy Cardinal identified on Friday (May 17) the LGUs as Kabankalan City, San Enrique and Valladolid.
DTI reported that price freeze took effect in 31 LGUs in Western Visayas either due to El Niño or pertussis outbreak.
Out of the 31 declarations of a state of calamity from March 13 to May this year, 30 are due to El Niño and one is due to the pertussis, or whooping cough outbreak.
The implementation of a price freeze in commodities commonly used by consumers in a certain locality is in accordance with the Price Act of the Philippines.
The duration of the price freeze in San Enrique and Kabankalan City is from April 8 until June 7 while in Valladolid, from May 1 until June 30.
San Carlos City in Negros Occidental was also placed under a state of calamity, but Cardinal said that they have not received a copy of the declaration so it has no price freeze order yet.
Under Republic Act 7581, or the Price Act, prices of basic necessities are automatically frozen at their prevailing rates for 60 days when an area is under a state of calamity.
This measure aims to protect consumers from undue price increases during calamities.
Cardinal said that prices of basic commodities in Negros Occidental have not increased.
“They have suggested retail prices and are regulated by their competitions,” she added. | GB
