Cagayan in state of calamity; DTI sets goods price freeze

By Liezle Basa Inigo

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – A price freeze has been implemented for basic commodities after this province was placed under a state of calamity due to typhoon “Egay.”
    The Dept. of Trade and Industry Cagayan Consumer Protection Division said that the price freeze automatically applies to basic goods in areas under the state of calamity.
    Business owners cannot increase the prices of goods, especially for basic necessities, and that they must remain at the DTI suggested retail price.
    Major commodities under prize freeze were rice, pork, chicken, fish, vegetables, sugar, oil, milk, canned goods, soap and laundry detergent, candles, bread, charcoal, and bottled water.
    Prize freeze, which aims to protect the public against exploitative businessmen under a state of calamity, is mandated by Republic Act 7581 or "An Act providing protection to consumers by stabilizing the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities and by prescribing measures against undue price increases during emergency situations and like occasions."
    Aside from the DTI, other government agencies in monitoring and implementing the price freeze include the Dept. of Agriculture (DA) for fruits and vegetables, Dept. of Energy (DOE) for petroleum, Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for wood-related products, and Dept. of Health (DOH) for drugs.
    The DTI said violators of the Price Act may be fined or slapped with criminal charges.
    It added that prices of goods in Cagayan remain stable amid the destruction caused by Egay.