DTI: 43 of 249 Metro stores violated price freeze

Inquirer file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Almost a fifth of the supermarkets and grocery stores in Metro Manila inspected so far by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) were found to be violating the ongoing price freeze imposed in the region.

Fillip Sawali, the director of the DTI’s Fair Trade and Enforcement Bureau, said on Tuesday that 43 out of the 249 establishments they have gone to since Aug. 19 were issued notices of violation.

“But this is a low number. Generally, [they are] compliant and we have a good degree of [compliance] from our retailers,” Sawali told reporters on the sidelines of the DTI’s routine inspection at the Guadalupe public market in Makati City.

READ: DTI orders price freeze in Metro Manila amid state of calamity

“If their explanation or defense is not sound, then we will go ahead and file a case, a formal charge,” he added.

Limited coverage

On July 26, the DTI issued an advisory on the automatic price freeze imposed in Metro Manila and at least six other provinces, which were placed under a state of calamity due to the severe effects of Supertyphoon “Carina” (international name Gaemi) and the southwest monsoon.

The price freeze only covers basic necessities and prime commodities.

Basic necessities under the DTI’s mandate include canned fish and other marine products, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergent, candles, salt, bottled water, and locally manufactured instant noodles.

The Department of Agriculture, for its part, oversees rice, corn, cooking oil, fresh and dried marine products, fresh eggs, fresh pork, beef and poultry meat, fresh milk, fresh vegetables, root crops, sugar, and fresh fruits.

The Department of Energy, on the other hand, is responsible for household liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene.

Under the Price Act, prices of basic necessities are automatically frozen at their prevailing prices for 60 days in an area where a state of calamity has been declared.

Under the same law, penalties for price manipulation include imprisonment of five to 15 years, with fines ranging from P5,000 to P2 million.

Those found violating the price ceiling, meanwhile, face prison time of one to 10 years, as well as fines ranging from P5,000 to P1 million.