THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has reaffirmed its commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s whole-of-government approach to tackling price manipulation and protecting consumers in anticipation of the La Niña phenomenon.
DTI Secretary Fred Pascual emphasized their ongoing dedication to rigorous nationwide price monitoring. He noted that their efforts are being intensified to ensure effective oversight in preparation for La Niña.
“We are strengthening our efforts to ensure even more effective oversight, especially as we prepare for the impacts of La Niña,” Pascual stated.
He also highlighted the collaboration with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to reactivate the Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs), which play a crucial role in their price monitoring initiatives.
Secretary Pascual reminded the public that automatic price control measures are activated in areas declared under a state of calamity due to La Niña.
He reiterated the DTI’s firm stance on enforcing regulations and warned that individuals caught engaging in illegal price manipulation would face strict legal consequences.
This coordinated effort between the DTI, DND, DA, and DILG aims to ensure fair pricing and protect consumer welfare nationwide. This unified approach was highlighted during a recent presidential task force meeting on El Niño response at Camp Aguinaldo.
The meeting also saw the Department of National Defense (DND) pledging support to agencies involved in the price monitoring of essential goods, reinforcing the government’s commitment to shielding the public from exploitative practices. (GP)
