DTI probes 8 Bukidnon stores for price hikes

DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry (DTI) has ordered at least 8 out of thirty-eight establishments in Bukidnon province to explain why they should not be held liable for reportedly not complying with the government’s price freeze order in areas declared under state of emergency and calamity.

The DTI, in a statement, said these stores reportedly increased prices of basic commodities after the agency earlier warned traders and businessmen not to take advantage of the situation.

DTI in Bukidnon even issued eight letters of inquiry (LOIs) to retail establishments for reports on violations of the Price Freeze Order.

Eight out of thirty-eight establishments monitored in the province were issued LOIs requiring these identified retail stores to justify the selling of people’s basic needs beyond the prices set in the Freeze Order as directed by the department.

If found guilty, DTI will issue a Notice of Violation and penalties will be imposed as stipulated in Republic Act (RA) 7581.

DTI Provincial Director Famelah Racquel Villanueva explained that Section 6 in RA 7581, as amended by RA 10623, prices of basic commodities in areas declared under state of emergency and calamity shall automatically be frozen, which means no price increase should be imposed.

On Dec. 21 last year, Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed Proclamation No. 1267 declaring a state of calamity in areas battered by Typhoon Odette, particularly Mimaropa (Region 4-B), Western Visayas (Region 6), Central Visayas (Region 7), Eastern Visayas (Region 8), Northern Mindanao (Region 10), and Caraga (Region 13). Thus, the price freeze shall remain in effect until February 2022, unless lifted by the President.

Villanueva said DTI is coordinating with the local government units (LGUs) through their Local Price Coordinating Councils in monitoring the establishments' compliance with the Price Freeze order.

“If violations are proven, LGUs can suspend, revoke or cancel an establishment’s business permit,” she added.

Violators she said may also face imprisonment for a period of not less than one year but not more than 10 years, or a fine of not less than P5,000 but not more than P1 million as the law provides. (DTI-Bukidnon/PIA-10/Bukidnon)