DAGUPAN CITY (PIA) –– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Pangasinan reminded all business establishments in Dagupan City and Calasiao to comply with the price freeze on basic necessities.
Guillermo Avelino, Jr., senior trade-industry development specialist and in-charge of consumer protection division of DTI-Pangasinan, said of following the declaration state of calamity in Dagupan City and Calasiao through their Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 8073 and Sangguniang Bayan Resolution No. 93, all basic necessities in the said city and town has been under the 60-day price freeze.
“Sa ating mga business establishment, huwag nilang sasamantalahin ang ganitong sitwasyon para magtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin dahil ito ay maaari nilang maging violation nila under under Republic Act 7581 or Price Act dahil ang mga presyo ng basic necessities ay naka-freeze ngayon dahil sa state of calamity,” said Avelino in an interview on Monday.
Avelino enjoined all business establishments in the province and the public to support the government in implementation of the 60-day price freeze.
He also warned the public not to hoard basic goods including medical supplies and reselling at above the DTI price freeze are prohibited and punishable under law.
“Any acts of price manipulation such as hoarding, profiteering, cartel is prohibited and any actions of violation will be dealt accordingly with administrative fine of P1,000 but not more than P1 million and criminal action with a fine of P5,000 to P2 million or imprisonment of not less than five years but not more that fifteen years,” he said.
Avelino also urged all consumers to become well-informed and vigilant to avoid being victimized by malpractices and abuses of price manipulation.
Likewise, Avelino assured that DTI Pangasinan is regularly conducting its price monitoring in all major supermarkets and public and private markets in the province.
He said during the latest monitoring held on July 31, 2023, there is an adequate supply of basic necessities and prime commodities and its prices are within the SRP as of February 8, 2023. (JCR/MJTAB/EMSA/PIA Pangasinan)
