MANILA, October 25 ------ A price freeze on basic commodities is now in effect in areas placed under a state of calamity amid the devastation caused by Tropical Storm Kristine, the Department of Trade and Industry said.
The DTI noted that as of Oct. 22, the province of Albay and the town of Magpet in Cotabato Province have been put under a state of calamity. Other flood-ravaged areas have yet to declare a state of calamity, however. DTI Secretary Cristina Roque said the agency is now monitoring prices and supply levels of products "in all affected areas.” “In close coordination with the Office of the Civil Defense, we are prepared to enforce the automatic price freeze that accompanies any state of calamity declaration. The DTI will take strong action against any violations, which may include administrative cases and fines,” Roque added.
Under a state of calamity, a 60-day automatic price freeze is imposed on products such as canned fish, locally manufactured instant noodles, bottled water, bread, processed milk, coffee, candles, laundry soap, detergent, and salt. "This means these basic necessities are frozen at their prevailing prices," the DTI said.
Businesses that violate the price freeze face a penalty of imprisonment for a period of one year to ten years, or a fine ranging from P5,000 to P1 million or both, the DTI warned. Meanwhile, an industry group representing drug stores said there are adequate stocks of medicines for cough, colds and flu though some pharmacies may face delays in replenishing stocks due to the bad weather, floods and blocked roads.
The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines said its members continue to operate even during severe weather conditions to help ensure the availability of medicines, vaccines and diagnostics to people who need them.
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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