Scope and Coverage of the Price Ceiling
- The Order applies to specified essential imported food commodities.
- Price ceilings are fixed for importers, wholesalers, and retailers.
- Commodities covered include canned fish (Rosebowl sardines), various brands and packaging of powdered skimmed milk (Golden State, Darigold, Dari-X), and powdered cocoa (Our Mother brand).
Specific Price Ceiling Details
- For each commodity, prices are set at three levels:
- Importer price
- Wholesaler price
- Retail ceiling price
- Examples of prices:
- Rosebowl sardines in 48/15 oz. case: importer P20.17/cs, wholesaler P21.89/cs, retail P0.51/tin.
- Golden State powdered skimmed milk 2/30 lb: importer P13.47/tin, wholesaler P14.63/tin, retail P16.86/tin.
Application to Commodities Not Specifically Listed
- Section 2 provides that commodities with the same size and specification as those covered shall have the same ceiling price even if not previously included.
- This ensures price uniformity and prevents circumvention by altering packaging or specifications.
Effectivity and Enforcement
- The Executive Order takes effect five days after promulgation.
- Promulgation date is November 13, 1950.
Legal Signatories
- Order signed by President Elpidio Quirino.
- Certified by Executive Secretary Teodoro Evangelista.
Fundamental Legal Concepts
- Price controls as a government tool to regulate essential commodity prices during a specified period.
- Use of delegation of authority from legislature to executive for economic regulation.
- Emphasis on price ceilings to protect consumers and maintain price stability.
- Legal enforceability of set ceilings across the import, wholesale, and retail levels to cover the entire supply chain.