The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has warned traders and retailers against manipulating prices of basic commodities under pain of fine or imprisonment.

Eileen Ocampo, DTI Bataan chief, issued the stern warning following the provincial government’s declaration of state of calamity owing to massive flooding due to tropical storm “Elmo” and  “Crising” and monsoon rain.

Ocampo in her social media message said the price freeze will be effective from July 23, 2025 to September 21, 2025 and will cover basic items such as coffee, sugar, milk, canned sardines, bread, cooking oil, bar soaps, and detergents.

Violators of price freeze order may face imprisonment of one to 10 years, a fine ranging from P5,000 to P1 million or both depending on the discretion of the court.

Amid rains and floods, DTI personnel continued to monitor prices of prime commodities in local public markets and grocery stores.

The post DTI warns retailers and price manipulators appeared first on 1Bataan.