The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) MIMAROPA Region has ordered a price freeze on basic goods in towns affected by the oil spill from the MT Princess Empress Oil Tanker.
ln view of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 6290-2023, placing the municipalities of Pola, Naujan, Pinamalayan, Gloria, Bansud, Bongabong, Roxas, Mansalay, and Bulalacao in Oriental Mindoro under a state of calamity, and pursuant to Section 6 of RA 7581 or the Price Act as amended, the prices of basic necessities under DTI’s jurisdiction are automatically frozen at their prevailing prices effective March 6, but not more than 60 days.
Basic necessities include canned fish and other marine products, processed milk (evaporated, condensed and powdered milk), coffee, laundry/ detergent soap, candles, bread (tasty and pandesal), iodized salt, instant noodles, and bottled water.
DTI MIMAROPA also warned establishments that violators may be penalize by imprisonment for a period of 1 year to 10 years, or a fine ranging from P5,000.00 to P1,000,000.00 or both, at the discretion of the court aside from the applicable administrative penalties.
Meanwhile, DTI Oriental Mindoro is currently conducting intensified price and supply monitoring of basic necessities under the department’s jurisdiction.