Following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a national state of calamity, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered all local government units (LGUs) to take decisive action against overpricing and profiteering after reports surfaced of establishments in Bacolod City allegedly doubling prices of generators and other essential goods amid ongoing typhoon response.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla underscored that “public emergencies are not an excuse to exploit our people.” He reminded local governments to ensure that prices of basic goods remain fair and reasonable, warning that “those who take advantage of this crisis will be held accountable.”

Under the Local Government Code and Republic Act No. 10121, local chief executives (LCEs) are mandated to implement emergency measures and lead disaster response efforts as heads of their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs). In view of the national calamity declaration, the DILG has advised all governors, mayors, and barangay officials to suspend foreign travel to ensure direct oversight of local response operations, extend assistance to affected LGUs through inter-LGU cooperation with R/PDRRMCs and DILG Regional Offices, and activate their Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs) to monitor and prevent exorbitant price increases of basic necessities and prime commodities.

“Mayors and barangay officials are the first line of defense for consumer welfare,” Remulla stressed. “We are calling on all LGUs to activate their LPCCs and act swiftly. The DILG will support every lawful measure to stop abusive pricing and ensure that help reaches our kababayans without added burden.”

The DILG, through the Philippine National Police (PNP), is working closely with concerned LGUs in Bacolod to validate reports and implement immediate enforcement action. “Sa panahon ng kalamidad, malasakit at pagtutulungan ang kailangan, hindi pananamantala,” said Remulla. “This is a time to protect, not profit.”

All DILG Regional Directors have been directed to ensure the immediate and widest dissemination of this advisory nationwide.

Original Article At: https://www.dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-TO-LGUS-ACTIVATE-LOCAL-PRICE-COORDINATING-COUNCILS-HALT-OVERPRICING-AMID-NATIONAL-CALAMITY/NC-2025-1267