ILOILO City – With inflation among the poorest households reaching nine percent in September 2026, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Western Visayas has intensified its watch against unjustified price increases and warned retailers against exploiting consumers already struggling with the rising cost of basic necessities.
DTI-6 officer-in-charge regional director Mutya D. Eusores said monitoring teams in all provincial offices are conducting regular inspections of supermarkets and major retail establishments to ensure compliance with suggested retail prices (SRPs).
The intensified surveillance comes amid mounting economic pressures from rising fuel and transportation costs, weather-related agricultural disruptions, and increasing household expenses, particularly among low-income families.
Despite these challenges, Eusores said supermarkets and other retail establishments across the region have generally complied with existing SRP guidelines.
“Lahat po ng mga provincial offices ay nagko-conduct ng monitoring sa mga supermarkets for their compliance sa suggested retail prices ng mga basic necessities under the jurisdiction of the DTI,” Eusores stated.
“So far, we’ve seen na compliant naman ang ating mga establishments,” she added.
However, the agency warned that compliance does not mean retailers are beyond scrutiny, particularly when unexplained price increases or irregularities are reported.
Eusores said establishments found selling basic necessities above prescribed price benchmarks may be required to justify their pricing through a formal Letter of Inquiry (LOI).
“If may na-report na pagtaas, we issue a Letter of Inquiry so they get to explain the circumstances or reasons behind the possible increase,” Eusores explained. “We have to note that our establishments are generally aware and conscious of SRP guidelines. Baseline natin is the SRP.”
9% inflation squeezes poorest households
DTI’s heightened vigilance comes as inflation continues to erode the purchasing power of vulnerable households in Western Visayas.
Headline inflation for the bottom 30 percent income group climbed to nine percent in September 2026, government data showed, placing additional pressure on families whose earnings have failed to keep pace with increasing food, transportation and utility expenses.
The situation has been aggravated by fuel price increases, which have raised transportation, distribution and agricultural production costs.
Weather disturbances, including heavy southwest monsoon rains, localized flooding and lingering El Niño effects, have also disrupted agricultural and fisheries production, affecting the availability of essential commodities such as rice, vegetables and fish.
These pressures have heightened concerns over the affordability of basic necessities, underscoring the importance of sustained market monitoring and consumer protection.
Automatic price freeze during calamities
Eusores also reminded retailers and consumers that an automatic price freeze on basic necessities takes effect in areas formally placed under a state of calamity.
The measure is particularly relevant as some local government units contend with agricultural damage caused by disasters and infestations, including the red-striped soft scale insect (RSSI) affecting sugarcane plantations.
“Kon may ara declaration sang state of calamity, ma-issue and automatic ma-price freeze. I have to get back…sa province nga nag-declare sang state of calamity sa disaster, RSSI, infestation…if ang LGU nag-issue sang state of calamity, that’s where masulod ang price freeze automatic,” Eusores noted.
Under the Price Act, the automatic price freeze is intended to prevent unreasonable increases in the prices of basic necessities during emergencies and protect affected communities from possible exploitation.
Public urged to report violations
As the country observes Consumer Welfare Month this October, DTI-6 is also strengthening its campaign to encourage consumers to actively report questionable pricing practices and supply irregularities.
Eusores emphasized that public participation is essential to effective market surveillance, particularly in identifying violations that may escape routine inspections.
“We are calling the attention of the public — if they notice untoward circumstances regarding prices and supply fluctuations, we encourage them to report directly to our office so we can address their concerns immediately,” Eusores urged.
The agency said it would continue monitoring retail establishments throughout Western Visayas and investigating reported irregularities to protect consumers from unfair trade practices./PN