Officials from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev) clarified that there is currently no price ceiling or freeze for basic commodities and essential goods, despite rising fuel costs linked to unrest in the Middle East.
The clarification came during a Senate PROTECT Committee hearing, where Senator Bam Aquino raised concerns over the absence of such a provision in the executive order declaring a state of national energy emergency.
“Hinahanap ko sa National Energy Emergency EO, yung provision na yun, ‘di ko mahanap… Ngayon na may national energy emergency, pumapasok na rin ba yung price ceiling natin for basic commodities and essential goods?” Aquino asked.
Responding, Assistant Secretary Reynaldo Cancho confirmed:
“No price freeze as of now [for basic commodities].”
Aquino explained that a price freeze is only triggered under a full state of national emergency, not under a state of national energy emergency, which addresses energy supply concerns only.
He noted that some lawmakers have proposed declaring a broader national emergency to activate price control mechanisms.
“Kasi ayaw natin makita na yung merkado, magtutuloy-tuloy yung pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin dahil sa pagtaas ng presyo ng diesel at gasolina… Personally, palagay ko po at palagay siguro ng marami ho sa amin, kulang pa dahil ang hinahanap rin ng taumbayan hindi magtuloy-tuloy yung pagtaas ng presyo sa mga palengke, sa supermarket, sa grocery,” Aquino said.
The senator stressed that many Filipinos are already grappling with high prices, highlighting the need for stronger government measures to protect consumers.