Negros occidental: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has enforced a 60-day price freeze on essential goods in Negros Occidental following the declaration of a state of calamity caused by Tropical Storm Crising and a red-striped soft scale insect outbreak affecting sugarcane farms.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DTI-Negros Occidental released an advisory stating that prices of basic necessities will be automatically frozen at their current levels or placed under automatic price control for the duration of 60 days, unless lifted earlier. The price freeze is set to conclude on September 22. The advisory also mentioned that the DTI will conduct regular monitoring of the price and supply situation of essential items and ensure store compliance with the freeze.
The state of calamity was declared by the Provincial Board, under the leadership of Vice Governor Jose Benito Alonso, and was approved by Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on July 24. Republic Act (RA) 7581, known as the Price Act, mandates that prices of basic goods in areas under a state of calamity be frozen at their prevailing levels prior to the calamity. This control will remain for the duration of the conditions that necessitated it, but not beyond 60 days, unless lifted earlier by the Governor.
Basic necessities under the Price Act include goods essential for consumer sustenance and existence during calamities, as defined in Sections 6 or 7 of RA 10623, which amends parts of RA 7581. The DTI is responsible for monitoring prices of items such as canned fish, processed milk, coffee, detergent, candles, bread, salt, bottled water, and instant noodles.
The Department of Agriculture oversees the pricing of rice, corn, cooking oil, various marine products, fresh eggs, meat, vegetables, root crops, sugar, and fruits. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is in charge of firewood and charcoal prices, while the Department of Health covers essential drugs. The Department of Energy regulates the prices of household liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene.
