DUMAGUETE CITY, Oct. 27 (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) – Negros Oriental has implemented a price freeze in the city following the City Government’s declaration of state of calamity.
According to an advisory from DTI Provincial Director Javier Fortunato, based on Section 6 of R.A. 7581, prices in an area proclaimed or declared a disaster area, under a state of calamity, or under an emergency shall be automatically frozen at their prevailing prices or placed under automatic price control.
The basic necessities covered by the price freeze include sardines in tomato sauce, condensed milk, evaporated milk, powdered milk, refill coffee, bottled water, instant noodles, detergent soaps, and bottled water.
Fortunato said any retailer found selling more than the prescribed prevailing price shall be imposed with an administrative fine of up to P1 million and/or a maximum of 10-year imprisonment.
The DTI official also encouraged consumers to report retailers that sell basic commodities more than the price specified by the department.
Consumers may report them through their hotline 422-5509.
The City Government of Dumaguete placed the city under a state of calamity due to the severe flooding caused by incessant rains brought by Typhoon Pablo last week. (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
