DILG orders LGUs to reactivate local price coordinating councils

By Philippine Information Agency (PIA Samar)
April 10, 2008

TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte  –  In view of the recent price increases of prime commodities, the Department of Interior and Local Government Region 8 Director William Paler, reminded the local government units to reactivate their respective Local Price Coordinating Councils.

In a memo dated March 26, 2008, addressed to all Provincial Governors, City and Municipal Mayors, DILG Provincial Directors, City and Municipal Local Government Operations Officers and others concerned, Director Paler said that an active Local Price Coordinating Council helps ensure the availability of basic goods to consumers and prevent unreasonable price increases, particularly in times of crisis, calamities, emergencies, widespread illegal manipulation and similar situations.

The formulation of LPCCs at the provincial, city and municipal levels is in line with Section 5 Rule VI of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 7581 "An Act Providing Protection to Consumers by Stabilizing the Prices of Basic Commodities" and DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2001-121.

DILG Secretary Ronaldo V. Puno also issued Memo Circular 2007-56 on May 24, 2007 enjoining among others, the reactivation of LPCCs to prevent unwarranted price hikes in school supplies.

Director Paler said that the LPCC is headed by the Local Chief Executive as Chairman; the DTI Provincial Director or his or her authorized representative as Vice Chairman; one representative each from the Department of Agriculture, Health, Environment and Natural Resources, Transportation and Communication, Justice, National Economic Development Authority, consumers, agricultural producers, trading, manufacturing and retail sectors. The local DILG officer may also be tapped as member.

The Sectoral representatives shall be appointed by the LPCC Chairman upon nomination by their respective local chambers of commerce or similar trade organizations, Director Paler added.

The LPCCs will have powers and functions which include coordination and rationalization of programs of member agencies to stabilize prices; and to recommend to the National Price Coordinating Council or to implementing agencies, suggested retail prices and or price ceilings for prime commodities in their areas.

The LPCCs may also conduct in-depth analysis on cause of price fluctuations and recommend steps to correct unwarranted price increases and supply shortages.