ILOILO City — Prices of basic commodities in markets here have remained stable despite the latest fuel price hike, Mayor Raisa Treñas said, as the city government intensified monitoring to prevent traders from passing on unjustified increases to consumers.
The city’s Local Price Monitoring Council (LPMC) has not recorded any price increase in public markets and supermarkets so far, according to Treñas, who stressed that daily inspections are being conducted to ensure compliance with government pricing guidelines.
“On price monitoring, our team is very active. Our Local Economic Development and Investment Promotion Office (LEDIP) conducts daily monitoring to ensure that prices here in Iloilo City remain within the guidelines set by the Department of Trade and Industry,” Treñas said.
According to the mayor, the Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO) is also conducting regular inspections in supermarkets and public markets across the city.
“The LEEO continues its monitoring, and you can see updates on their page. We have personnel assigned to monitor prices to make sure that the cost of products, especially in supermarkets and markets, follows regulations and cannot simply be increased,” she said.
Treñas emphasized that the city government is closely coordinating with national agencies to maintain fair pricing and protect consumers.
The LPMC was organized by the mayor to strengthen price monitoring in the city. The council is co-chaired by the regional director of the Department of Trade and Industry Region 6.
She assured residents that the city government will continue to enforce policies aimed at safeguarding consumers and ensuring that businesses follow prescribed pricing standards.
“We continue to work to ensure that the policies and programs of the city provide protection and benefits to our residents,” Treñas said.
The city government has also encouraged the public to report any suspected overpricing in markets or retail establishments so authorities can take appropriate action./PN
