MANILA - In the aftermath of tropical storm "Ondoy" and typhoon "Pepeng", Malacañang expanded the list of products covered by a price freeze.

Aside from canned goods, rice and other basic food products, medicines, cooking gas, and lubricants are now included in the list.

The government also placed a ceiling on prices of construction materials such as cement and hollow blocks, which would be used to repair flood-damaged properties and build new homes.

Even funeral services have been included in the "price freeze" list as the death toll from the two recent calamities that hit the country rose to over 300.

The Department of Trade and Industry is monitoring prices of all these products and services to prevent unscrupulous business owners from taking advantage of disaster victims who are in dire need of these.

Under the Price Act, automatic price controls and ceilings can be imposed on necessities in the event of a calamity or emergency or during times of war and rebellion, and if martial law is declared. - with a report from ANC