DTI to post price lists in areas under state of calamity

In a bid to ensure the price freeze in areas placed under a state of calamity due to two recent typhoons is observed, the Department of Trade and Industry will post price lists of basic commodities in the affected areas. The DTI said the lists should discourage overpricing and encourage consumers to report price manipulation to the authorities, radio dzBB reported Friday. DTI Undersecretary Zenaida Maglaya also reiterated her appeal to traders and consumers for cooperation especially as residents in the areas under a state of calamity try to recover. On Thursday, Maglaya reminded traders to follow the price freeze on basic commodities now in effect over areas under a state of calamity due to typhoons "Pedring" (Nesat) and "Quiel" (Nalgae). "Follow the price freeze, sumunod na muna tayo (let's just comply for now)," she said after a meeting of the National Price Coordinating Council, adding they should report violations of the price freeze to the DTI. In an interview on dzBB radio, she said the DTI is mobilizing price monitoring teams along with the Department of Agriculture and local government units. She said a price freeze or automatic price control takes effect upon declaration of a state of calamity. As of Thursday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said five towns, eight cities and four provinces were placed under a state of calamity in the wake of the two typhoons. They include:

- Amulung, Cagayan - Santiago City, Isabela - Tuguegarao, Cagayan - Quirino province - Isabela province - Obando, Bulacan - Calumpit, Bulacan - Meycauayan City, Bulacan - Dinalupihan, Bataan - Olongapo City, Zambales - Tarlac City, Tarlac - Nueva Ecija province - Noveleta town, Cavite - Cavite province - Malabon City - Navotas City - Marikina City

"Upon declaration of a state of calamity, may automatic price control. Ang price ceiling, kung ano ang presyo upon declaration will now be the ceiling (Upon declaration of a state of calamity, there is an automatic price control. The price ceiling will be the prevailing price at the time the state of calamity is declared)," Maglaya said. She said basic commodities covered by the Price Act include rice, pork, chicken, fish, vegetables, sugar, cooking oil, sardines, and bathing and laundry soap. Other basic items include candles, bread, and even charcoal, she said. Under Republic Act 7581, price manipulation is punishable by up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to P2 million. Violations of the price ceiling face an imprisonment of up to 10 years and/or a fine of up to P1 million. Government officials of employees who knowingly conceal violations shall suffer an added penalty of permanent disqualification from holding public office. — LBG, GMA News