BACOLOD City – Following the declaration of a state of calamity due to the impact of Typhoon “Tino,” the local government of Bacolod, in coordination with national agencies, has imposed a price freeze on basic commodities across major establishments in the city.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, chairperson of the Bacolod City–Local Price Coordinating Council (BC-LPCC), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)–Negros Occidental Provincial Director Lynna Joy Cardinal signed the Automatic Price Control (APC) order on November 10 at the Bacolod City Government Center to formally enforce the price freeze.
City Administrator Atty. Mark Steven Mayo said the LPCC has convened to ensure compliance with the automatic price freeze on essential goods. He added that joint inspections will be conducted among department stores and grocery outlets in coordination with the DTI, Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Department of Health (DOH).
“Actions will be taken following the results of the inspections. If violations are found, the council has the authority to issue show-cause orders and recommend the filing of charges,” Mayo emphasized.
However, he clarified that not all products are covered by the automatic price ceiling, citing generator sets—currently in high demand during calamities—as an example.
“The council is focusing primarily on major sources such as department stores and grocery chains. The bottom line is to protect consumers from those taking advantage of the situation,” he explained.
Under Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, the prices of basic necessities in areas declared under a state of calamity are automatically frozen at their prevailing rates. The price freeze remains in effect for up to 60 days or until the situation normalizes, unless lifted earlier by the President.
Section 16 of the law states that violators of Sections 6 or 7 shall face imprisonment of one to 10 years or a fine ranging from P5,000 to P1 million, or both, at the discretion of the court.
The DTI reminded business owners to strictly comply with the price freeze and encouraged consumers to report violations to the DTI–Negros Occidental Provincial Office at (034) 441-3644. A list of basic necessities and their prevailing prices in Bacolod City is attached for public reference./PN
