The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Tuesday reminded businesses in flood-hit Oriental Mindoro of mandatory price freezes on basic goods, warning violators face penalties of up to one million pesos as the province tackles the aftermath of severe flooding.

Under the Price Act, prices of nine essential items must remain frozen at prevailing levels for the duration of the state of calamity declared in the province, but not exceeding 60 days, the DTI-MIMAROPA regional office said.

The price freeze mechanism automatically takes effect whenever a state of calamity is declared, pursuant to Republic Act 7581 as amended by RA 10623.

More than 10,000 people across Oriental Mindoro have been affected by severe flooding, with nearly 1,000 residents taking shelter in evacuation centers as monsoon rains enhanced by Typhoons Emong and Dante, disaster officials said last week.

The twin tropical storms enhanced the Southwest Monsoon, bringing prolonged heavy rainfall that overwhelmed rivers and drainage systems and caused widespread flooding in Mindoro island, including Occidental Mindoro.

The mandatory price freeze covers canned fish and marine products, processed milk, coffee, laundry soap, candles, bread, iodized salt, instant noodles, and bottled water.

“Violators will be subject to administrative penalties,” DTI warned, listing sanctions that include temporary or permanent closure of establishments, product confiscation, license revocation, and fines ranging from P1,000 to one million pesos.

The DTI-MIMAROPA said it would conduct “intensified price and supply monitoring” of basic necessities under its jurisdiction during the emergency period.

File photo: courtesy of DTI Mimaropa