Price freeze imposed over NCR, Cainta, 5 provinces

The DTI also posted the prevailing prices of basic necessities. (File photo: Tara Clark/Unsplash)

By Kris Crismundo, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – A price freeze is now in place in Metro Manila, five other provinces, and Cainta, Rizal after the declaration of a state of calamity.

Bataan, Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, and Oriental Mindoro were also placed under a state of calamity on Thursday, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos announced.

On Wednesday evening, Cainta Mayor Elenita Nieto put the municipality in the same status, after the Metro Manila Council decided to put the entire National Capital Region under a state of calamity due to the impact of the inclement weather.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminded stakeholders that a price freeze is automatically imposed on basic goods upon the declaration of a state of calamity.

The DTI also posted the prevailing prices of basic necessities.

Prices range from PHP5 to PHP17 for 350 ml to 500 ml bottled water; PHP15.40 to PHP27 for 1-liter bottled water; and from PHP50 to PHP88 for 6- to 7-liter bottled water.

A 400- to 600-gram loaf of bread, as of July 24, costs from PHP40.50 to PHP8, while 250 grams to 300 grams of pandesal cost a low of PHP23.50 and a high of PHP54.

Prices of 155-gram canned sardines range from PHP13.40 to PHP25.50, depending on the brand.

Prices of black coffee and 3-in-1 mix range from PHP4.10 to PHP84.50, depending on the brand and weight.

A 55-gram pack of instant noodles costs PHP7 to PHP10.65.

Depending on the brand and size, the prices of condensed milk and condensada range from PHP33.50 to PHP105, while evaporated milk and evaporada prices range from PHP20.50 to PHP69. Powdered milk prices range from PHP44 to PHP162 for 135- to 350-gram packs.

Prices of iodized salt range from PHP4.50 to PHP54 for 250-gram to 1-kg. packs.

Laundry soap prices should be frozen between PHP18.50 and PHP40, depending on the weight of the product.

Prices of candles in the next 60 days should only range from PHP33.42 to PHP177.50, depending on the brand, size, and pieces.

“The DTI urges the public to report any incident of overpricing and consumer violation to the DTI Consumer Care Hotline 1-384 or at email address consumercare@dti.gov.ph,” the agency said.