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.

On October 29, DTI officials conducted an inspection in Makati City, checking the prices and supply levels of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) such as candles and bottled water, items in high demand during the observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.

The inspection revealed that all 224 stock-keeping units (SKUs) of monitored goods were within the DTI’s suggested retail price (SRP), reflecting stable market conditions.

DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque emphasized that the activity underscores the agency’s ongoing commitment to consumer protection and market stability.

“We commend our retailers for upholding fair prices in the interest and welfare of our consumers. Rest assured that the DTI will continue to diligently monitor the markets to keep prices affordable while also ensuring that our businesses remain sustainable and profitable, so that it will be a win-win for all,” Secretary Roque said.

Since the start of October, the DTI has inspected 19 flower shops to ensure compliance with SRPs and to encourage vendors to maintain reasonable pricing amid increased demand.

As Chairperson of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC), Secretary Roque also joined Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in monitoring wet markets, checking the prices of rice, meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables across 10 market stalls.

These activities form part of the DTI–DA joint efforts to safeguard price stability and supply adequacy of essential commodities nationwide. To date, both agencies have conducted 23 joint market monitoring operations this year, reinforcing their shared goal of keeping consumer goods affordable while supporting fair and responsible business practices.