Law Summary
State of Calamity and Context
- Proclamation No. 1021 (s. 2020) declared and extended a State of Calamity nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic for one year from September 13, 2020, to September 12, 2021.
- The African Swine Fever outbreak caused a reduction in local pork supply, significantly affecting pork availability and prices.
- Elevated retail prices of pork and chicken in the National Capital Region (NCR) have burdened consumers, notably the underprivileged.
Recommendation for Price Ceiling Imposition
- The Department of Agriculture (DA) recommended imposing price ceilings on selected pork and chicken products in the NCR to mitigate rising food prices.
- The measure aims to ensure that these basic necessities remain affordable, accessible, and sufficient for all consumers.
Specific Mandated Price Ceilings
- The Order sets the following mandated price ceilings within the NCR:
- Pork Kasim/Pigue at PHP 270.00 per kilo
- Pork Liempo at PHP 300.00 per kilo
- Dressed Chicken at PHP 160.00 per kilo
Effectivity and Duration
- The Order takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
- The price ceiling is effective for sixty (60) days from the publication date.
- The President may extend the duration upon the recommendation of the Department of Agriculture.
Legal and Practical Implications
- The imposition of mandated price ceilings under the Price Act serves as a legal tool to regulate prices during emergencies.
- This measure is a protective mechanism for consumers, particularly vulnerable sectors, against excessive food cost inflation.
- Compliance with the price ceiling is mandated for suppliers and retailers within the NCR for the specified period.
Executive Authority
- The Order is issued by the President of the Philippines, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, exercising powers vested by the Constitution and existing laws.
- The Executive Secretary certifies and promulgates the Order, ensuring government enforcement and dissemination.