Question & AnswerQ&A (DA JOINT DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 01, S. OF 2009)
The order adopts the rules of procedure for administrative cases filed for violations of the Price Act involving basic necessities and prime commodities under the jurisdiction of the Department of Agriculture in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry.
Republic Act 7581, known as the Price Act, grants the Department of Agriculture jurisdiction over agricultural crops, fish and other marine products, fresh meat, fresh poultry and dairy products, fertilizers, and other farm inputs.
The devolution of some powers and functions to local government units limited the Department of Agriculture's enforcement to regional levels only, posing difficulties in implementing the provisions of the Price Act.
The Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of Trade and Industry, as heads of the implementing agencies, are authorized to deputize and enlist assistance from other government officials or agencies.
Basic necessities include rice, corn, cooking oil, fresh/dried fish and other marine products, fresh eggs, fresh pork, beef and poultry meat, fresh milk, fresh vegetables, root crops, and sugar.
Prime commodities include fresh fruits, dried pork, dried beef and poultry meat, fresh dairy products not under basic necessities, onions, garlic, fertilizer (chemical and organic), pesticides, herbicides, poultry, swine and cattle feeds, and veterinary products for poultry, swine, and cattle.
Formal charges should be filed by the authorized representative of the Department of Agriculture in the appropriate docketing unit of the Regional Office, Provincial or Field office, Area Office, or other appropriate office of the Department of Trade and Industry.
Administrative actions filed by the Department of Agriculture shall proceed in accordance with Department of Trade and Industry Department Administrative Order No. 7, series of 2006.
The Department of Agriculture, through its duly authorized representatives, has jurisdiction to institute formal charges over violations involving such commodities.
Yes, all hearing officers of the Department of Trade and Industry are deputized to take cognizance of administrative cases filed by the authorized representatives of the Department of Agriculture involving violations of the Price Act.