The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has reminded businesses in Samar and parts of Mindanao of the 60-day price freeze on basic necessities following recent calamities and infrastructure disruptions that have strained local supply chains.
Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said Thursday the price control measures are being enforced in response to the rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge and the declaration of a state of calamity in Maguindanao del Sur and Zamboanga del Sur.
“In line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision under the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ agenda, our teams are on the ground — monitoring prices, talking to retailers, and making sure that your needs come first. You are not alone. The government is working hard to ensure that basic necessities remain available and affordable for your families,” Roque said.
The DTI urged establishments across the province of Samar to comply with the 60-day price freeze to prevent undue price increases that could further burden consumers.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Tacloban earlier raised concerns over the ongoing rehabilitation of the San Juanico Bridge, citing possible commodity shortages and price hikes due to freight costs via roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels.
Agriculture Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel Jr. echoed these concerns Thursday, noting logistical challenges as a result of the bridge closure.
The San Juanico Bridge, which connects Leyte and Samar, has been closed since 15 May due to safety concerns. Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan said a parallel bridge will be constructed first — connecting Sta. Rita in Samar to Tacloban and San Isidro — before major repairs begin on the existing structure. The project will be funded by the Japanese government.
Meanwhile, a state of calamity has been declared in Datu Piang, Maguindanao del Sur, and Kumalarang, Zamboanga del Sur, following torrential rains and flash floods brought on by the intertropical convergence zone.
As a result, a 60-day price freeze on basic necessities is automatically in effect in these areas.