The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 3 is enforcing an automatic price freeze on basic necessities in five Central Luzon provinces placed under a State of Calamity amid widespread flooding and heavy rains brought by the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or Habagat and tropical cyclones.
The measure is being implemented pursuant to Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, as amended, to protect consumers from unreasonable price increases and ensure the availability and affordability of essential goods in affected communities.
As of September 1, 2026, the following provinces have been placed under a State of Calamity:
- Pampanga — August 12, 2026
- Bulacan — August 17, 2026
- Zambales — August 19, 2026
- Bataan — August 20, 2026
- Tarlac — August 30, 2026
Under the Price Act, the declaration of a State of Calamity automatically triggers a 60-day price freeze on covered basic necessities, with prices maintained at their prevailing levels immediately before the declaration, unless lifted earlier by the President.
Pampanga was placed under a province-wide State of Calamity on August 12 through Provincial Resolution No. 10524 following widespread flooding. Bulacan followed on August 17 through Provincial Resolution No. 708-T’2026, while Zambales was declared under a State of Calamity on August 19 due to extensive damage caused by the enhanced Habagat.
Bataan was placed under a State of Calamity on August 20 amid significant damage to properties, agriculture, and infrastructure. Tarlac was declared under a State of Calamity on August 30 through Sangguniang Panlalawigan Resolution No. 416-2026 following widespread flooding and damage to major infrastructure.
Covered establishments are prohibited from increasing the prices of basic necessities beyond their prevailing levels prior to the calamity declaration. These include canned fish and other marine products, processed milk, coffee, bread, instant noodles, salt, laundry soap, detergent, candles, bottled water, and other goods covered by the applicable price freeze bulletin.
DTI Region 3, through its Regional and Provincial Offices, continues to conduct price and supply monitoring in affected areas to ensure compliance and adequate availability of essential goods. The agency is also coordinating with local government units and Local Price Coordinating Councils to maintain market stability.
DTI reminded retailers and other establishments to strictly observe the mandated price freeze and maintain sufficient supplies of covered basic necessities.
Businesses found selling covered goods above the prescribed prevailing prices may face administrative and/or criminal sanctions under the Price Act. The agency also warned against hoarding, profiteering, and creating artificial shortages to drive up prices, particularly during calamities.
Violators of the Price Act may face imprisonment of up to 15 years and fines of up to ₱2 million.
Consumers are encouraged to report suspected violations, including unreasonable price increases, hoarding, and profiteering, through the DTI Consumer Care Hotline at 1-384 or through DTI Regional and Provincial Offices.
DTI Region 3 reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring that basic necessities remain accessible and reasonably priced during times of calamity.
