Filipino consumers are getting a protective shield as the government imposes a 60-day nationwide price freeze on basic goods following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a state of national calamity. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) confirmed that the freeze took effect immediately after the order was signed on Nov. 6, covering communities hit hard by Typhoon Tino and bracing for the potential impact of Super Typhoon Uwan.
As chair of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC), the DTI said it has already activated all member agencies—including the DA, DOE, DOH, DOTr, DOJ, DENR, DILG, and DEPDev—to tighten monitoring and prevent abusive price movements. The freeze, which remains in effect for 60 days unless lifted earlier by the President, reinforces an earlier directive keeping prices of basic goods and prime commodities steady until year-end.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said the calamity declaration formalizes the administration’s stand: no price hikes during this critical period. She added that the DTI is working “round-the-clock” with manufacturers, retailers, and distributors to maintain supply and stabilize markets across regions. Among the items covered are basic necessities like canned sardines, powdered milk, bread, salt, detergent, bottled water, and candles, as well as prime commodities such as luncheon meat, corned beef, condiments, toilet soap, and batteries.
The DTI has placed all regional and provincial offices on heightened alert to enforce compliance and respond swiftly to violations. Establishments caught overpricing face severe penalties—from ₱5,000 to ₱1 million in fines and one to 10 years of imprisonment. With millions of families recovering from widespread flooding and damage, the government says keeping essentials affordable is a key part of its disaster response.