PBBM orders price freeze on basic necessities until yearend

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a price freeze on basic necessities and prime commodities until the end of the year to prevent price increases before the holiday season.

The directive was issued to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for strict monitoring and enforcement of maximum suggested retail prices, especially for imported rice and other food products.

President Marcos also instructed the DTI to work with manufacturers to maintain current prices.

DTI Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque confirmed that stakeholders are cooperating to prevent price hikes in markets.

The price freeze was ordered before the President's departure for Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits.