DILG to LGUs: Regulate prices at tourist spots

By Romina Cabrera -

Local government units (LGUs) have been ordered to impose price controls at tourist destinations following complaints of overpricing in Bohol last year among other tourist sites nationwide.
    Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. reminded local chief executives of their duty to control the prices of basic commodities in areas frequented by foreign and local tourists.
    Abalos said under Memorandum Circular 2023-002 of the Dept. of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the local price coordinating councils (LPCCs) in LGUs are mandated to exercise their functions and protect visitors.
    He said governors and mayors should mobilize their LPCCs to ensure that commodities sold in their jurisdictions carry the average prevailing prices.
    Abalos said the LGUs should also monitor abnormal price increases in their respective localities.
    The order came following reports from the Dept. of Tourism that food prices on Virgin Island in Panglao, Bohol were excessive.