MANILA - Authorities have started to crack down on possible violators of the price ceiling on basic commodities set after the aftermath of Tropical Storm “Ondoy”.

A combined team from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) went to several drug stores and groceries in Novaliches area in Quezon City Monday night and caught two establishments allegedly selling products above the DTI price ceiling.

First to be inspected was Save More Dug Grocery where the agents found Nestle Bearbrand milk powder allegedly being sold at P71.60 compared to the DTI price list which pegged it a maximum of P49.75. An Alpine Full Cream evaporated milk can was allegedly found with a price tag of P44.25 but the DTI price list said it should be only P43.50 at most.

At the Mightee Mart Grocery meanwhile, the prices of Lucky Me beef noodles were allegedly changed to P6.60 from P7.00 per pack. It was however still above the price ceiling of P6.50 per pack.

DTI Agent Eliseo Placido said that the prices of products sold in these establishments should not be above the price ceiling set by the DTI. Establishments caught violating the price ceilings can be closed by local officials, said the DTI agent.

Rey Arellano of DTI meanwhile said the owners and operations managers of the stores found violating the price control directive would be sent subpoenas. He said they were in violation of Republic Act 7581 also known as the Price Act.

Arellano said Save More Drug Grocery had been issued previously a summons on the same violation but still has not followed the law. He said the store management could face 1-10 years imprisonment and P1,000 to P1 million fine.

Expanded list

Malacañang meanwhile has already expanded the list of products covered by its temporary price freeze

Aside from canned goods, rice and other food products, President Arroyo has ordered a freeze on the prices of flour, bath soap, medicines, cooking gas, lubricants, agricultural products and even funeral services.

The president also asked companies not to raise the prices of construction materials such as cement and hollow blocks, galvanized iron and electrical supplies which will be used to repair flood-damaged houses and to build new homes.

DTI is set to release the new price list Tuesday which would be effective for the whole of Luzon. With a report from Alvin Elchico, ABS-CBN News