By CESAR JOLITO III
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Negros Occidental has tightened its monitoring of grocery stores and supermarkets across the province to ensure strict compliance with the price freeze following the declaration of a nationwide state of calamity due to Typhoon “Tino.”
DTI-Negros Occidental Provincial Director Lynna Joy Cardinal said that since November 6, their office has directed all local government units to conduct physical monitoring in retail establishments to verify if the prevailing prices of basic and prime commodities are being followed.
“The prevailing price of basic necessities should be based on the average price a month before the calamity occurred,” Cardinal explained.
She noted that while some localities have reported low stocks of certain basic goods, deliveries continue to arrive, except for items delayed due to the suspension of sea transport operations.
Cardinal also reminded business owners that violations of the price freeze carry penalties, and that during a state of calamity, the DTI no longer issues letters to explain before imposing sanctions.
“In normal times, we still allow them to explain, but during a calamity, due process proceeds immediately. We need to protect consumers,” she said, adding that DTI will conduct daily monitoring for 60 days or until the price freeze is lifted.
The price freeze covers basic necessities such as canned sardines, instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, detergent, laundry soap, and salt.
Under Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act, the DTI is mandated to impose a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities in areas declared under a state of calamity to prevent profiteering and hoarding.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson appealed to local businesses to act with compassion amid the disaster.
“Every time there is a calamity like this, we always appeal to businessmen to have a heart — people are suffering right now,” Lacson said in a press briefing.
He also warned establishments against taking advantage of the situation after reports of increased hotel room rates and higher prices of goods surfaced on social media.
“Because of the disaster, people are already in no position to buy things. Let’s not add to their burden. Let’s help the Negrenses recover,” the governor added./CJ, WDJ