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Retailers seen largely complying with price freeze
Over 5,100 businesses nationwide are largely complying with the automatic price freeze on basic commodities during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to President Rodrigo Duterte's report to Congress.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) monitored 5,192 firms between March 28 and April 1, finding that 97% adhered to the price freeze.
The DTI, along with the departments of agriculture and health, issued a joint memorandum circular on March 18 to impose the price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities.
Violators of the price freeze may face up to P2 million in fines or up to 15 years in prison.
The DTI processed 427 online complaints and endorsed 250 to various agencies.
In 544 campaigns against hoarding and profiteering, the DTI's fair trade enforcement bureau made 64 arrests.
Additionally, the DTI collaborated with the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation to arrest 96 individuals for various consumer-related laws in 110 joint operations.
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The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), along with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), has confiscated over PHP15 million worth of essential goods amid the enhanced community quarantine.
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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.
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The Parañaque City government, through its Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), is strictly enforcing an ordinance mandating a price freeze on basic goods.
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