DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Pangasinan reminded all business establishments in Dagupan City to comply with the price freeze on basic necessities after the city was declared under state of calamity on Oct. 25.
Natalia Dalaten, provincial director of DTI-Pangasinan, said through the Dagupan’s Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 8174-2024, all basic necessities in the city have been under the 60-day price freeze.
“Ang paglabag sa price freeze, pwede kayong ma-issuehan ng notice of violation and magkakaroon po tayo ng formal charge kung may makita tayong violation,” she added.
Dalaten urged all business establishments and the public to support the 60-day price freeze, warning against hoarding basic goods or reselling items, including medical supplies, above the DTI-set prices, as these actions are prohibited and punishable under Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act.
“Sa ating mga retailers, tayo ay nakikiusap na sumunod sila sa umiiral na price freeze dito sa Dagupan City at huwag sasamantalahin ang ganitong sitwasyon para magtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin,” said Dalaten in an interview on Monday.
She also assured the consumers that DTI Pangasinan would continuously monitor the prices of the necessities and prime commodities in the province to ensure the welfare of the consumers.
Dalaten urged the public to check the prices of basic goods on the DTI website at https://www.dti.gov.ph/konsyumer/latest-srps-basic-necessities-prime-commodities and call DTI Pangasinan or visit the nearest Negosyo Center in their area if they notice any change.
Under RA 7581, illegal price manipulation of basic goods is punishable by five to 15 years of imprisonment and a fine of ₱5,000 to ₱2 million, while violations of price ceilings may result in one to 10 years of imprisonment, a fine of ₱5,000 to ₱1 million, or both, at the court’s discretion. (MJTAB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)
