The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau is intensifying efforts to ensure prices of basic necessities remain stable and compliant with a nationwide price freeze through the New Year.
The agency said the initiative aligns with a presidential directive to prevent price increases on prime commodities during the holiday season.
It said that from Nov. 11 to Dec. 23, monitoring teams inspected 661 firms across 16 cities and 1 municipality in Metro Manila following the declaration of a nationwide state of calamity caused by Typhoon Tino.
An automatic 60-day price control is in effect from Nov. 6, 2025 to Jan. 5, 2026. The freeze was enacted under Presidential Proclamation No. 1077 in accordance with the Price Act, which mandates that prices for basic goods stay at prevailing levels in areas under a state of calamity.
DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque led inspection teams at major retail outlets. Roque reported that supply remains adequate and many essential goods are currently priced below mandated levels.
While compliance has been high, the department issued a show-cause order to 1 Metro Manila establishment for potential overpricing.
Businesses found in violation of the Price Act face administrative or criminal charges, which may include fines and imprisonment.
The Department of Agriculture and other agencies are also conducting joint supply monitoring to support the effort. These agencies have set maximum suggested retail prices on key food items, including imported rice and pork, to temper potential price spikes.
Monitoring activities will remain heightened throughout the remainder of the 60-day period across all cities in Metro Manila to protect consumers during the holiday season, the DTI said.
