DTI imposes price control in towns under state of calamity

A price monitor checks the prices of noodles in one of the stores in Dumarao, Capiz. (NC Dumarao Photo)

The DTI VI has released the price ceilings of basic necessities in municipalities placed under the state of calamity following the devastation left by typhoon Ursula which battered the provinces of Antique, Aklan, Capiz and Iloilo in Western Visayas last December.

Under Republic Act (RA) 7581 or the Price Act of the Philippines, an automatic price control should be observed in areas that are proclaimed or declared a disaster area or under state of calamity.

Section 6 of the said law provides that unless otherwise declared by the President, prices of basic necessities in an area under state of calamity shall be frozen at their prevailing price.

Any person who violates the abovementioned sections of the law shall be penalized of imprisonment for a period of not less than one year nor more than 10 years; a fine of not less than P5, 000 nor more than P1 million, or both at the discretion of the court.

The automatic price control is imposed in the municipalities of Batad, Concepcion, Balasan, Carles and Estancia, all from the Province of Iloilo; Pandan, Caluya and Libertad in the Province of Antique; and all towns in the provinces of Aklan and Capiz.

The price freeze of basic necessities at prevailing prices and automatic price control with price ceiling is enforced in each local government unit concerned, as each LGU has its own list of basic necessities and corresponding price ceilings.

Unless sooner lifted by the President, price control of basic necessities shall remain effective for the duration of the condition that brought it about, but not for more than 60 days, Section 6 of RA 7581 further states.

The Local Price Coordinating Councils of the provinces and municipalities declared under the state of calamity will work closely with other concerned agencies, the PNP and LGUs to implement price control.