60-day price freeze on basic goods imposed in Cebu after massive quake

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Energy (DOE) are imposing a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and kerosene in the entire Cebu as the province was placed under a state of calamity following the aftermath of the magnitude 6.9 earthquake late Tuesday evening.

In a statement, the DTI said the automatic price freeze on basic necessities immediately took effect upon the declaration of a State of Calamity by the Sangguniang Panlalawiga, pursuant to Resolution No. 1985, Series of 2025. 

The Price Act defines basic necessities as goods vital to the needs of consumers for their sustenance and existence such as rice, corn, fresh meat, fish, vegetables, canned goods, instant noodles, milk, as well as daily use items like soap.

The DTI said the implementation of a price freeze on basic goods is aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to fully mobilize all government efforts for the relief and rescue of affected residents.

The Trade Department said its monitoring teams in field offices have been deployed to actively inspect markets, verify prices, and guarantee an adequate and continuous supply of these basic goods in all affected communities.

“We recognize the heavy toll this disaster has brought to families. Beyond enforcing the price freeze, our priority is to ensure that prices and supplies are affordable and stable. DTI will be vigilant in making sure that consumers are protected from undue price increases,” said Trade Secretary Cristina Roque.

In a separate advisory, the DOE said it placed a similar price control measure in Cebu for basic petroleum products —an 11-kilogram  LPG and kerosene.

The Energy Department said the move was meant to ensure price stability, to protect households from undue economic burden, and to guarantee the continued availability of essential fuel products that are critical in cooking, lighting, and other immediate recovery needs.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, for her part, said strict monitoring will be carried out to ensure full compliance by retailers and distributors. 

“Stability of fuel prices and availability of supply are vital in times of disaster. The Department is working closely with all partners to make sure that families and frontliners have access to the essential energy resources they need during relief and recovery operations,” said Garin.

A total of 63 fatalities have been recorded due to the Cebu earthquake, according to Health Secretary Ted Herbosa.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered various government agencies to mobilize and provide immediate aid to communities affected by the quake. —VAL, GMA Integrated News