CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Department of Trade and Industry will continue to run after profiteers and hoarders of essential goods even if the price freeze has already been lifted.
The price freeze on basic goods and prime commodities was lifted May 16, after 60 days of effectivity following the declaration of a State of Public Health Emergency.
DTI Region-3 director Judith Angeles said they reminded groceries, supermarkets, hardware stores and other sellers that after the lifting of the price freeze, the basis for the monitoring of prices will be the suggested retail prices of basic and prime commodities dated September 2019.
This 2019 SRP list will be used by the DTI price monitoring teams conducting weekly checking of the price and supply situation in major stores in the seven provinces of Central Luzon.
“Price coordinating councils of local government units will recommend, based on their assessment of the situation, on what measures they can take to manage the supply and prices of basic needs and prime commodities,” Angeles added.
During the enhanced community quarantine, DTI supported the unhampered movement of essential goods.
She also reminded buyers that the monitoring of the prices of essential medical supplies such as alcohol and face masks is under the mandate of the Department of Health and Food and Drug Administration.
“We advise consumers to report establishments not following the SRP list through the consumer hotline 1-384, Facebook page-DTI Consumer Care or text 09178343330,” Angeles said. — Carlo Lorenzo J. Datu/PIA 3
