Romina Cabrera - The Philippine Star
MANILA, Philippines — Local government units (LGUs) have been ordered to impose price controls at tourist destinations following complaints of overpricing in Bohol last year.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. reminded local chief executives of their duty to control the prices of basic commodities in areas frequented by foreign and local tourists.
Abalos said that under Memorandum Circular 2023-002 of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the local price coordinating councils (LPCCs) in LGUs are mandated to exercise their functions and protect visitors.
He said governors and mayors should mobilize their LPCCs to ensure that commodities sold in their jurisdictions carry the average prevailing prices.
Abalos said the LGUs should also monitor abnormal price increases in their respective localities.
The order came following reports from the Department of Tourism that food prices on Virgin Island in Panglao, Bohol were excessive.
