Price freeze automatic in calamity areas —DTI

Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez on Tuesday said that price freeze is being implemented automatically in areas under a state of calamity.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Lopez said the price freeze covers basic commodities such as canned goods, instant noodles, coffee, and milk.

“Unang-una, the Typhoon Quinta last week, so may mga state of calamity, so automatic price freeze doon sa mga calamity areas—Albay, Batangas, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque,” Lopez said

“Tapos, yesterday, nag-declare na rin ang Cavite , o price freeze na rin tayo diyan,” he added.

On Monday, a state of calamity was also declared in Camarines Sur after Typhoon Rolly’s onslaught.

Violators will face charges and fine of up to P2 million, according to Lopez.

Even without a price freeze, Lopez noted that the prices can still be controlled through enforcing the suggested retail price of the concerned commodities.

Lopez pointed out that the prices in the market should be unaffected since the flow of goods resumed immediately after the onslaught of the typhoon, as reported by DTI regional directors.—AOL, GMA News