CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (PIA) — Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) assured the regular monitoring of prices of basic necessities and prime commodities in supermarkets and commercial establishments.
This serves as the basis in the issuance of suggested retail prices (SRPs).
DTI Region III Consumer Protection Division Chief Gerardo Maglalang explained that the primary purpose of SRP is to provide information and direction to retailers and consumers, safeguard them from fraudulent or unethical transactions, and allow consumers to select the product they desire at a price that is within their means.
“As one of the agencies responsible for implementing the Price Act, we are mandated to coordinate and streamline government initiatives aimed to stabilize prices and supplies of goods,” Maglalang said during the Dagyaw The Open Government Town Hall Meeting 2023 held at SM City Telabastagan.
The Price Act ensures fair pricing and availability of basic necessities and prime commodities, while also defining the responsibilities of government agencies in monitoring prices and ensuring a just return on investment for legitimate businesses.
Basic necessities are goods vital to consumers’ survival during any of the situations outlined in the Price Act.
Under DTI’s jurisdiction, these include processed milk, canned fish, bread, instant noodles, coffee, salt, potable water in bottles and containers, candles, and laundry soap and detergents.
Prime commodities, on the other hand, are goods not classified as basic necessities but are still important for consumers which under DTI’s jurisdiction include flour, canned pork and beef, fish sauce, vinegar, soy sauce, toilet soap, cement, clinker, GI sheets, construction nails, hollow blocks, steel wire, electrical supplies, batteries, and light bulbs.
“The Department has a mechanism in place to keep track of the prices of essential goods and important commodities as per the regulations of the Price Act,” Maglalang said.
He also emphasized that businesses that sell products above the SRPs, particularly during calamities, will receive a Letter of Inquiry that demands an explanation or justification for the price hike.
“Show Cause Orders are issued to supermarkets and groceries selling goods priced over 10 percent from the monitored price, which is a prima facie evidence of profiteering,” he added.
Meanwhile, Maglalang urged consumers to download DTI’s e-Presyo app to check the SRPs.
“We also use the e-Presyo app for monitoring and reporting. As long as our consumers have internet connections, whether using a computer or mobile phone, they can see the current prices of the basic necessities and prime commodities being monitored by DTI,” he underscored.
The first Dagyaw in the region this year carried the theme “Maunlad na Gitnang Luzon Tungo sa Progresibong Nasyon.”
It was organized by Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Budget and Management, and Philippine Information Agency in partnership with the provincial government of Pampanga, city government of San Fernando, national government agencies, and civil society organizations. (CLJD/RPQ-PIA 3)
Department of Trade and Industry Region III Consumer Protection Division Chief Gerardo Maglalang urges consumers to download the agency’s e-Presyo application to check the Suggested Retail Prices of basic necessities and prime commodities being sold at major markets, groceries and stores during the Dagyaw The Open Government Town Hall Meeting 2023 held at SM City Telabastagan. (DILG Region 3)
