Samar: The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has asked at least four retailers in Samar province to explain the overpricing of processed meat despite the enforcement of a price freeze arising from the San Juanico Bridge crisis. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, DTI Eastern Visayas regional information officer Anthea Aivi Ancheta said establishment owners have already submitted their official explanation this week and they are 'being processed' by DTI officials.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DTI is examining whether the price adjustments are justified or if retailers are manipulating prices. This inquiry follows the declaration of a state of calamity by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., on June 5, 2025, to expedite the repair and rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge. This state of calamity aims to mitigate the crisis's impact on the residents of Samar and Leyte.

With the declaration comes the enforcement of Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, as amended, which mandates a 60-day automatic price freeze on specific products including canned fish, instant noodles, and processed milk. The DTI emphasizes that violations of this price freeze could result in penalties such as imprisonment for one to ten years, fines ranging from PHP5,000 to PHP1 million, or both.

Ancheta highlighted the importance of retailers adhering to prevailing prices to aid consumers and prevent additional disruptions in the supply chain. She reassured that the supply situation in Samar remains stable, thanks to distributors' adaptive logistics strategies during the bridge crisis.

Distributors have established new warehouses, implemented transloading and cross-docking systems, adjusted sourcing, and are now utilizing direct shipping to Samar ports to maintain supply flow.