DA intensifies price freeze enforcement on agri products

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is intensifying its efforts to apprehend individuals and groups violating the price freeze on basic agricultural and fishery products during the state of national emergency.

DA Secretary William Dar warned traders, retailers, and hoarders that the government is serious about filing cases against those who take advantage of consumers during the crisis.

The Bantay Presyo Task Force will be strengthened to monitor prices, enforce the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) policy, and go after cartels, hoarders, and profiteers.

Despite repeated appeals, many retailers continue to defy the SRP and price freeze, exploiting consumers amidst the ongoing crisis.

The DA outlined specific SRPs for nine basic goods, including pork, chicken, sugar, milkfish, tilapia, galunggong, garlic, and red onion.

Violators of the Price Act (RA 7581) face penalties ranging from a fine of P5,000 to P2 million and imprisonment from five to 15 years.

The price freeze policy, a joint memorandum circular from the DA, Department of Trade and Industry, and Department of Health, covers all sellers, including those selling online.