Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a national state of calamity, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered all local government units (LGUs) to immediately address overpricing and profiteering, especially after reports emerged that some establishments in Bacolod City allegedly doubled the prices of generators and other essential goods during the ongoing typhoon response.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla stressed that “public emergencies are not an excuse to exploit our people.” He reminded local governments to ensure that prices of basic goods remain reasonable, warning that those who take advantage of the crisis will be held accountable.

Under the Local Government Code and Republic Act No. 10121, local chief executives are mandated to enforce emergency measures and lead disaster response efforts as heads of their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils. In response to the national calamity declaration, the DILG advised governors, mayors, and barangay officials to suspend foreign travel so they can oversee local response operations, work closely with affected communities through inter-LGU cooperation, and activate their Local Price Coordinating Councils to monitor and prevent exorbitant price increases on basic necessities and essential commodities.

Remulla emphasized that mayors and barangay officials serve as the first line of defense for consumer welfare. He reiterated the need for swift action, assuring that the DILG will support all lawful measures to curb abusive pricing and ensure that much-needed support reaches the people without undue burden.

The DILG, in coordination with the Philippine National Police, is working with LGUs in Bacolod to validate reports and initiate enforcement measures. “Sa panahon ng kalamidad, malasakit at pagtutulungan ang kailangan, hindi pananamantala,” Remulla said. “This is a time to protect, not profit.”

DILG Regional Directors have already been instructed to widely disseminate this advisory and ensure immediate compliance nationwide.