Marcos to DTI: Enforce price freeze on basic goods until Dec. 2025

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has tasked the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to implement a price freeze on basic and prime commodities until the end of the year to ensure price stability amid the holiday season.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro announced this at the sidelines of Marcos’ participation in the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“Alinsunod sa kautusan ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na hindi magkakaroon ng paggalaw sa mga presyo ng mga bilihin bago ang holiday season, inanunsyo ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) na walang price increase sa basic at prime commodities sa bansa hanggang sa matapos ang kasalukuyang taon,” Castro said.

(In line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure that the prices of goods will not move before the holiday season, the DTI announced that there will be no price increase in the basic and prime commodities in the country until the end of the year.) 

Before leaving for Kuala Lumpur last Saturday, Marcos instructed the DTI to ensure the strict monitoring and implementation of the maximum suggested retail prices (SRP) for imported rice as well as other essential food items, according to Castro.

She also said Marcos had directed the DTI to continue its coordination with manufacturers to maintain current price levels and prevent unwarranted price increases of goods. 

According to Castro, DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque ensured that all industry stakeholders are working closely with the government to stabilize market prices, particularly during the holiday period.

She added that all concerned agencies are doing their part to keep prices fair and reasonable for consumers. —LDF, GMA Integrated News