DTI enforces price freeze in Antique, Iloilo City

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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region VI has implemented a price freeze on basic necessities in Iloilo City and the province of Antique following separate declarations of a state of calamity by their respective local government units.

The measure was prompted by the effects of the southwest monsoon, or Habagat, enhanced by Tropical Storm Crising in Antique, and by Tropical Cyclones Crising, Dante, and Emong in Iloilo City.

Under Republic Act 7581, or the Price Act, prices of basic necessities are automatically frozen at prevailing levels for 60 days in areas placed under a state of calamity.

The price freeze in Antique will be in effect from July 25 to Sept. 23, 2025, and will be lifted on Sept. 24, 2025, unless sooner lifted by the president.

DTI Antique monitors compliance daily across the province.

According to DTI Antique Provincial Director Mary Jade Gonzales, “We are ensuring that retailers adhere to the price freeze for basic necessities and suggested retail prices for prime commodities to safeguard consumers during this critical time.”

Iloilo City is also under a price freeze following the issuance of Resolution 2025-756 by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, declaring the entire city under a state of calamity effective July 30, 2025.

The move is backed by Resolution 9, Series of 2025, of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The declaration automatically enforces price control under Section 6 of the Price Act, authorizing DTI to monitor and regulate the prices of basic goods such as canned sardines, milk, instant noodles, coffee, bottled water, bread, detergent, salt, and candles for 60 days, unless sooner lifted by the president.

In Iloilo City, DTI monitors establishments daily to ensure compliance.

DTI Iloilo Provincial Director Ma. Dinda Tamayo urged businesses to adhere to the price freeze, saying, “We urge our establishments to refer to the Automatic Price Control and Suggested Retail Price bulletins to avoid penalties.”

Retailers violating the price freeze may face fines ranging from PHP5,000 to PHP1 million and/or imprisonment of one to 10 years, at the court’s discretion, under Section 16 of the Price Act.

The DTI called on consumers to remain vigilant and to report violations through the 1-DTI (1-384) hotline, the official DTI Antique and Iloilo Facebook pages, or by visiting the nearest Negosyo Center.

These measures are part of DTI’s ongoing efforts to ensure fair pricing, protect consumers, and maintain market stability across Western Visayas amid climate challenges.