Retailers and consumers in Bulacan, Pampanga and Zambales have been reminded that a price freeze on basic necessities remains in effect in areas under a state of calamity.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Central Luzon said the price freeze covers the entire province of Pampanga and parts of Bulacan and Zambales that were severely affected by flooding.
In a text message, Nerson Ray Romero, information officer of DTI-Central Luzon, told The STAR that so far, no one has been caught violating Republic Act 7581 or the Price Act.
Section 6 of RA 7581 mandates that prices of basic necessities in areas placed under a state of calamity are automatically frozen at their prevailing prices prior to the declaration.
The automatic price control remains effective for 60 days, unless sooner lifted by the President.
Among necessities covered by the price freeze are canned fish and other marine products, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, detergent, candles, bread, salt, bottled water and locally manufactured instant noodles.