Bacolod Acts to Stabilize Prices After Typhoon Tino
In a decisive move to protect consumers, Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has officially created the Bacolod City Local Price Coordinating Council (BC-LPCC). This action comes just after the city was placed under a state of calamity due to the severe impact of Typhoon Tino.
Executive Order Institutionalizes Consumer Protection
Mayor Gasataya signed Executive Order No. 071 on November 7, 2025, establishing the council's composition, functions, and purpose. The mayor emphasized that the city recognizes the urgent need for a coordinated and data-driven system to monitor the supply and prices of essential goods. The primary goal is to safeguard consumers and legitimate businesses from unfair practices.
The creation of the BC-LPCC is guided by directives from national agencies, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), specifically through Joint Memorandum Circular 03, s. 2020. This circular encourages local government units to activate their price councils. Furthermore, the move is empowered by the General Welfare Clause of the 1991 Local Government Code (Republic Act 7160), which authorizes LGUs to ensure the availability of basic necessities at reasonable prices and to combat price manipulation.
Composition and Key Responsibilities of the Council
The BC-LPCC will be chaired by Mayor Gasataya, with the head of DTI-Bacolod serving as the vice chairperson. The council boasts a wide membership that includes key city officials such as the City Legal Officer, City Treasurer, and City Agriculturist, as well as representatives from national agencies like the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). The private sector will also have representation. The Office of the City Administrator will serve as the council's secretariat.
The council has been tasked with a comprehensive set of functions, which include:
- Overseeing the implementation of price and supply stabilization measures for basic goods.
- Establishing a citywide monitoring system, including regular market inspections.
- Recommending the imposition of price ceilings during emergencies to the National Price Coordinating Council.
- Initiating actions against illegal practices like hoarding, profiteering, and cartelization.
- Conducting public information campaigns to educate consumers and businesses.
This multi-agency effort is designed to bring stability to the local market and protect the welfare of all Bacolod residents in the wake of the recent typhoon's devastation.
