(From left) FTEB drector Fhillip Sawali and Parañaque Consumer Welfare Office OIC Millan Alcaraz at the price monitoring activity in Paranaque City.

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) launched “SWEEPtember,” a month-long initiative that intensifies the monitoring of basic necessities and prime commodities in the National Capital Region following the recent surge of tropical cyclones. 

The DTI began the“SWEEPtember” operations in La Huerta Public Market in Paranaque early this month. 

The DTI said stalls monitored in the market were found to be compliant with fair trade practices and verified the accurate calibration of the public market’s “Timbangan ng Bayan.”

DTI Acting Secretary Cristina Roque said as of September 4 , the DTI has issued 50 Notices of Violations (NOVs) to businesses that failed to comply with the price freeze on basic goods, following the declaration of state of calamity in NCR last 25 July 2024.

Businesses issued with NOV are given 48 hours from receipt of the notice to submit a written explanation for their non-compliance.

In accordance with Section 6 of the Price Act (Republic Act 7581), 60-day price freeze is automatically implemented in areas under a state of calamity or emergency unless lifted earlier. This measure aims to safeguard consumers from price increases in the wake of the effects of the southwest monsoon or habagat.

Businesses found selling goods above prevailing prices may face stringent penalties, including fines of up to P1 million and/or imprisonment of up to 10 years.

“As we are expecting more tropical cyclones to hit this month, our priority is to guarantee that the public has access to affordable and safe products. Our ongoing collaboration with local price councils helps us maintain fair pricing, protecting consumers from profiteering while also supporting legitimate businesses,” Roque said.