Manila: Supply of basic necessities in Leyte in the last two weeks remains stable despite the disruption caused by limited access to the San Juanico Bridge, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Wednesday. DTI Eastern Visayas regional director Celerina Bato said several supplies intended for Tacloban City and nearby towns are transported via sea.

According to Philippines News Agency, goods carried by heavy vehicles from Luzon are transferred to light trucks before the approach of San Juanico Bridge. Director Bato assured that there are no issues concerning the supply of necessities. The logistical challenges have been effectively managed by distributors following the implementation of the 3-ton limit on the iconic 52-year bridge since May 15, as part of its two-year rehabilitation.

The DTI has been closely monitoring the prices of essential goods daily in major stores in Tacloban City and Samar province. Both areas have been declared under a state of calamity, leading to the automatic activation of a price freeze. 'Prices of basics are automatically frozen at their prevailing prices for 60 days once a state of calamity is declared in an area. We have our price monitors checking the prices in major stores daily,' Bato stated.

Director Bato expressed confidence that business owners can manage the additional costs arising from the travel disruption crisis. In regions lacking price monitors, personnel in the DTI-Negosyo Centers have been assigned to check prices.

The trade department continues its vigilant monitoring of products under its jurisdiction, including canned fish, locally manufactured instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, laundry soap, detergent, and salt. The DTI has also issued a reminder to all business establishments that violations of the price freeze carry penalties under the Price Act. Offenders could face imprisonment for a period of one to 10 years or a fine ranging from PHP5,000 to PHP1,000,000, or both, at the discretion of the court.