Marcos orders DTI to implement a price freeze on basic goods until December 2025
President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Trade and Industry to enforce a price freeze on basic and prime commodities until the end of the year to safeguard consumers against price hikes over the holidays.
"Alinsunod sa kautusan ni Pangulong [Marcos] na hindi magkakaroon ng paggalaw sa mga presyo ng mga bilihin bago ang holiday season, inanunsyo ng [DTI] na walang price increase sa basic at prime commodities sa bansa hanggang sa matapos ang kasalukuyang taon," Presidential Communications Office Usec. Claire Castro said on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Malaysia.
According to Castro, Marcos had ordered the DTI to oversee the strict application of the SRPs for imported rice and key food items.
He also instructed the agency to continue coordinating with manufacturers to maintain current price levels and prevent unwarranted price hikes.
In response, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque said industry stakeholders are cooperating with the government to keep market prices stable, especially during the holiday season.
Castro further assured that all concerned agencies are taking steps to maintain fair and reasonable pricing for consumers.
The DTI has yet to release the suggested retail price for Noche Buena products. Last year's guide covered items such as ham, fruit cocktail, pasta noodles, mayonnaise, and queso de bola.
