By Mariela Angella Oladive
The 60-day price freeze on essential goods in Iloilo, implemented by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 6, will conclude on October 19.
The freeze was enacted under Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, which mandates an automatic 60-day price freeze on basic necessities when an area is declared under a state of calamity.
The law aims to protect consumers from price hikes during emergencies, and the freeze remains effective for 60 days or until lifted by the President.
The measure has been in place since August across 44 local government units, including Iloilo City (since August 28) and Passi City, along with other municipalities in the province (since August 20).
“DTI conducts daily monitoring of retailers to ensure adherence to the price freeze,” said Grace Benedicto, chief of the DTI 6 Consumer Protection Division.
Regional Director Rachel Nufable confirmed that DTI Provincial Offices and the Consumer Protection Division are working closely with local government units to enforce the freeze.
DTI teams conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance with price regulations on essential goods such as canned fish, processed milk, coffee, detergent, bread, instant noodles, salt, bottled water, and candles.
Businesses found violating the price freeze face penalties, including imprisonment of one to ten years or fines imposed by the court.
