The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has confirmed stable prices and adequate supply of basic necessities in Cebu City following inspection rounds led by DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque on November 13. The activity forms part of the agency’s intensified nationwide monitoring efforts after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. declared a state of national calamity due to Typhoons Tino and Uwan.
According to Roque, supermarkets inspected were fully compliant with the automatic price freeze covering essential goods such as sardines, instant noodles, bread, coffee, processed milk, salt, bottled water, candles, and laundry soap.
“Iyong mga presyong na-monitor natin ngayon are even below the prices set by the DTI, so maganda itong balita dahil sumusunod ang mga grocery at supermarket sa direktiba ng ating Pangulo tungkol sa nationwide price freeze for the next 60 days,” the trade chief said.
Roque, accompanied by central and regional officials, inspected several major retail establishments including Gaisano Grand Fiesta Mall in Talisay, GMall Supermarket on Soriano Avenue, SM Supermarket in Mabolo, and Pacific Mall Metro Supermarket in Mandaue. The team reported no major violations and observed sufficient inventory levels throughout all stores visited.
To strengthen consumer protection during the 60-day price freeze period, DTI has mobilized monitoring teams nationwide to conduct daily field inspections, particularly in typhoon-affected communities. As of November 10, the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) also reported stable prices and adequate supply in Metro Manila after checking 75 firms across various districts.
Under Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, prices of basic necessities automatically revert to prevailing levels and remain frozen for 60 days in areas declared under a state of calamity.
Businesses found violating the automatic price freeze may face administrative and criminal penalties, including imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines of up to ₱1 million. Establishments selling beyond the mandated prevailing prices will be issued a Notice of Violation and required to submit a response within 48 hours.