Philippine President Marcos Orders Nationwide Price Freeze on Basic Goods Until End 2025

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued a nationwide order to freeze the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities in the Philippines until the end of 2025, aiming to stabilize market prices amid inflationary pressures and upcoming holiday demand. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been tasked with strict monitoring and enforcement of maximum suggested retail prices, particularly for imported rice and essential food items. This directive includes products such as canned sardines, canned meats, milk, coffee, bottled water, instant noodles, bread, salt, soy sauce, fish sauce, vinegar, and candles. The President's order was announced just before his departure to the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, with Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasizing the government’s commitment to preventing any price increases before the holiday season. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque confirmed cooperation among industry stakeholders to maintain current prices and prevent price hikes, ensuring affordability for Filipino consumers during the economically significant holiday period. This proactive measure reflects the administration's focus on protecting consumer welfare amidst economic challenges and natural calamities.