By Komfie Manalo
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) secretary Benhur Abalos ordered a price freeze in areas heavily hit by super typhoon Carina, including Metro Manila, five other provinces, and Cainta, Rizal.
The price freeze took effect Thursday night in regions declared under a state of calamity. On Wednesday, 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.
In a separate announcement, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reminded stakeholders that a price freeze is automatically imposed on essential goods upon declaring a state calamity.
The DTI also posted the prevailing prices of basic necessities.
Prices range from P5 to P17 for 350 ml to 500 ml bottled water, P15.40 to P27 for 1-liter bottled water, and P50 to P88 for six- to seven-liter bottled water.
As of July 24, a 400- to 600-gram loaf of bread costs from P40.50 to P8, while 250 grams to 300 grams of pandesal cost a low of P23.50 and a high of P54.
Depending on the brand, the prices of 155-gram canned sardines range from P13.40 to P25.50.
Black coffee and 3-in-1 mix prices range from P4.10 to P84.50, depending on the brand and weight.
A 55-gram pack of instant noodles costs P7 to PHP10.65.
Depending on the brand and size, condensed milk and condensada prices range from P33.50 to P105, while evaporated milk and evaporada prices range from P20.50 to PHP69.
Powdered milk prices range from P44 to P162 for 135- to 350-gram packs.
Prices of iodized salt range from P4.50 to P54 for 250 grams to one-kilogram packs.
Laundry soap prices should be frozen between PHP18.50 and PHP40, depending on the product's weight.
Prices of candles in the next 60 days should only range from P33.42 to P177.50, 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 consumercare@dti.gov.ph," the agency said.
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