Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said this measure aims to keep basic items affordable for all residents.
The freeze includes essential goods such as rice, corn, bread, fresh vegetables, roots crops, pork, beef, poultry, eggs, milk, coffee, sugar, cooking oil, salt, laundry soap, detergent, firewood, charcoal, candles, and certain medicines classified as essential by the Department of Health.
“During these trying times, it is crucial for all stakeholders to work together to ensure that the needs of the public are met without undue financial burden,” added Secretary Pascual.
By law, a 60-day price freeze is automatically applied during a state of calamity. The DTI will monitor prices to ensure compliance, warning retailers against hoarding and profiteering.
