MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued 43 stores with notices of violation of the price freeze in Metro Manila.
The DTI said the stores violated the price freeze imposed on basic necessities and prime commodities.
“We are giving them two days or 48 hours to respond, to explain. If they are unable to provide sufficient explanation, we will file cases at the DTI FTEB (Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau) adjudication division,” DTI FTEB director Fhillip Sawali said.
While the DTI issued notices of violation, he said retailers in Metro Manila were generally compliant with the price freeze order.
A price freeze was imposed on basic necessities and prime commodities in Metro Manila following the declaration of a state of calamity due to Typhoon Carina in July.
Under Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act, a 60-day price freeze on basic goods is automatically implemented in areas placed under a state of calamity.
Acting DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque said the price freeze is in effect in Metro Manila until Sept. 24.