The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said over the weekend that prices and supply of basic goods in Cebu City remain stable following a series of market inspections conducted across major groceries on the island.
The activity was part of the agency’s intensified nationwide monitoring efforts following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a state of national calamity due to Typhoons Tino and Uwan.
Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said all establishments visited were complying with the automatic price freeze on basic necessities, including sardines, instant noodles, bread, coffee, processed milk, salt, bottled water, candles, and laundry soap.
“The prices we monitored today are even below the levels set by the DTI, which is good news because groceries and supermarkets are complying with the directive of our President regarding the nationwide price freeze for the next 60 days,” she said.
Roque and central and regional officials inspected Gaisano Grand Fiesta Mall in Talisay, GMall Supermarket in Soriano Avenue, SM Supermarket in Mabolo, and Pacific Mall Metro Supermarket in Mandaue. They found no major irregularities and noted sufficient inventory levels across all stores checked.
To strengthen consumer protection measures, DTI has deployed monitoring teams nationwide to strictly implement the price freeze and conduct daily inspections in affected areas.
As of November 10, the DTI’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau reported stable prices and adequate supply based on its inspection of 75 firms across Metro Manila.
Under Republic Act 7581, prices of basic necessities are automatically frozen at prevailing levels for 60 days in areas placed under a state of calamity.
Violators may face administrative and criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to P1 million. Establishments selling above mandated prices will be issued a Notice of Violation and required to respond within 48 hours.
