The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) conducted price monitoring rounds in Quiapo, Manila on August 11, specifically targeting basic necessities to ensure compliance with the 60-day price freeze.

This activity is a key component of DTI’s sustained monitoring efforts across the National Capital Region (NCR) following the declaration of a state of calamity (SOC) caused by the combined effects of the recent southwest monsoon and tropical cyclones.

Secretary Cristina A. Roque said that the DTI is strictly following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to keep a close watch on the market to prevent any form of exploitation even amid the calamity’s aftermath.

“We at the DTI empathize with our fellow Filipinos who have been gravely affected by the typhoon. To our consumers, rest assured our dedicated teams are closely monitoring basic necessities to ensure you have enough during these trying times,” Secretary Roque added.

The DTI verified that all 120 stock keeping units (SKUs) of canned goods, instant noodles, bread, processed milk, coffee, bottled water, salt, laundry soap, and candles, among other basic items, were adequately stocked and in adherence with the ongoing price freeze and the existing suggested retail price (SRP) bulletin. The DTI team also checked the accuracy of the Timbangan ng Bayan units to ensure fair trade practices were being upheld.

“Actually, most of these items are priced below the levels set by the DTI. At ito rin ang gusto mangyari ng ating Presidente na ang presyo ng basic necessities at prime commodities ay manatiling mas mababa kaysa sa suggested retail prices ng DTI,” Secretary Roque affirmed.

(Actually, most of these items are priced below the levels set by the DTI. This is also what our President wants, that the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities remain lower than the DTI’s suggested retail prices.)

Secretary Roque personally engaged with vendors of nine market stalls and one grocery store to gain insights into market conditions and reiterated the government’s commitment to fair trade. The trade chief warned that establishments found violating the price freeze would face legal consequences, including the issuance of a notice of violation (NOV) or a show cause order (SCO).

Under Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, as amended by R.A. 10623, violations of price ceilings or price freeze regulations are punishable by imprisonment ranging from one (1) to ten (10) years, or a fine between P5,000 and P1 million.

Since the SOC declaration, the DTI has conducted 78 rounds of monitoring activities across the National Capital Region (NCR), starting on July 24, to ensure adherence to the price freeze. ♦

Date of Release: 11 August 2025