Ant International Recognized as an Inaugural Foreign Institution Partner by China’s Cross-Border Interconnection Payment Gateway

Beijing / Singapore, 18 September 2025 - Ant International is appointed as an inaugural foreign Institution Partner (FIP) of China’s Cross-border Interconnection Payment Gateway (CPG), under the guidance of the People’s Bank of China and the Payment & Clearing Association of China (PCAC).

Ant International and Alipay are the largest players in the CPG scheme with the largest number of card network and wallet partners, the broadest use cases and largest business volume. 

The new CPG scheme is designed to raise connection efficiency and improve system stability for overseas payment partners. Its timely launch opens a safe and smoother highway for these partners to access the Chinese market. 

Alipay+, the cross-border payment and digitization services under Ant International, will leverage this new direct connection setup to accelerate growth of its partner eco-system to expand global coverage. This will enable an even more convenient and secure travel experience for international consumers while helping international wallets connect their digital growth networks to 80 million Alipay merchants across China.

As a unified wallet gateway, Alipay+ now partners with 36 e-wallets and eight national QR payment schemes and payment systems worldwide, connecting over 100 million merchants to 1.8 billion consumers accounts.

As the FIP with the broadest fintech coverage in the new CPG scheme, Alipay+ now enables seven major international bank card brands and users from twelve countries and regions to scan-and-pay transactions in the Chinese Mainland. On top of that, Alipay+ also has various technology partnerships with over twenty e-wallets and payment networks across Asia, Europe and other egions. 

Alipay+ has built extensive partnerships with government-sponsored mobile payment schemes in emerging markets, to support national agendas for digitization and inclusive growth. Eight national QR schemes and payment systems are developing active international presence via Alipay+, including SGQR (Singapore), PayNet DuitNow (Malaysia), ZeroPay (South Korea), Bakong (Cambodia), NCHL/FonePay (Nepal), LankaPay (Sri Lanka), QRIS (Indonesia), and HUMO (Uzbekistan). 

Asia-Pacific region reported USD 9.8 trillion in e-wallet transaction volume in 2023, accounting for nearly two-thirds of the global total, and maintains the world’s highest e-wallet penetration rate.

Japan Embassy, DOH Underscore Multistakeholder Collaborative Response in Recent Dengue Forum

The inaugural Dengue Forum titled “Addressing the Mosquito in the Room” held last Wednesday, 27 September, aimed to amplify the conversation on dengue as a public health concern in the Philippines. The event was organized by RiseAboveNow Business Consulting Group (RAN-BCG) and was supported by the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and the Department of Health (DOH). Present in the said health forum are representatives from local government units, healthcare associations, patient organization and Japanese healthcare companies including Hi-Eisai, Kao Corporation, Taisho and Takeda Healthcare Philippines, Inc. (THPI).

“We consider dengue [to be] an international concern, and we are one with the Philippines in your fight against dengue infections,” said Nihei Daisuke, Minister for Economic Affairs, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. “I would also like to acknowledge Takeda [Healthcare Philippines], Inc. for actively promoting dengue awareness. I have seen the critical trials of the intervention that you developed, and its efficacy based on the results of your research [is] highly praised.”

This dengue forum came at the right time to revitalize discussion on dengue and establish a robust platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing the dengue situation in the country. It delved deep into the state of dengue in the country, its far-reaching impact, and current and future prevention and control initiatives.

The burden of dengue in the Philippines

Angelica Garcia, Supervising Health Program Officer at the DOH Epidemiology Bureau, said that dengue is a disease endemic to the Philippines, with cases rising especially during the rainy season. Notably, 70% of annual cases affect those aged 0 to19, and 56% of deaths occur among those aged 9 and below. Dengue with warning signs is the typical presentation, and Dengue 1, among 4 different strains of the virus, is the most common strain detected via PCR.

The financial impact of dengue on patients and their families is significant. Dr. Jose Rene de Grano, President of the Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, discussed hospitalization costs and complications. He mentioned that PhilHealth provides approximately Php 10,000 for conditions like hemorrhaging, but patient bills can significantly soar to Php 50,000 or more, depending on required monitoring, blood transfusions, and complications.

The pillars of collaborative dengue response

The fight against dengue is guided by five essential pillars: surveillance and preparedness, accurate diagnosis and case management, vector management or mosquito control, health education and advocacy, and outbreak response and preventative interventions. These pillars work in harmony to combat the disease and ensure a healthier future free from the threat of dengue.

“DOH is actively collaborating with the University of the Philippines National Institutes of Health to update their Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG). We anticipate the final CPG to be released by the end of the year,” noted Dr. Kim Tejano, Medical Officer IV, DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau.

Engaging the community was a recurring theme during the discussion. Representatives from the health offices of Quezon City, Pasig City, Caloocan City, and Baguio City shared their best practices. They highlighted the enduring effectiveness of the DOH "5S" strategy, particularly the "search and destroy" component. They underscored the significance of patient education involving the community to ensure dengue prevention and control.

Focusing on the private sector’s role in preventing and controlling dengue, Kao Corporation has emphasized the importance of disease awareness and patient education. "We initiated a collaboration and partnership involving industry, academia, and the government sector in Thailand to promote and encourage individuals to take proactive measures for self-protection,” shared Dr. Nakagawa Takao, Research Manager, Kao Corporation.

Cleo Nodado of Taisho Pharmaceuticals and Dr. Maria Fe Gualberto, pediatrician and medical consultant at Otsuka Solar Philippines, Inc., highlighted that management of dengue can be simple and cost-effective with timely and correct interventions. They emphasized the need to understand clinical issues across different phases of dengue fever for rational case management.

“Dengue remains to be a major public health concern. The fight against global public health diseases is made significantly more achievable through collaborations. Takeda is exploring and forging partnerships with multi-stakeholders in its commitment towards making a difference in patients' lives by addressing these public health needs,” said Dr. Joy Althea Pabellon, Medical Head of THPI.

Promising innovations for dengue response

With advances in research, technology, and healthcare practices, clinical management innovations can greatly enhance the ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat dengue more effectively.

"For a comprehensive approach to dengue prevention and control, strategies should encompass both vector control and immunization to tackle the burden of dengue disease effectively. Building on concerns related to first-generation vaccines, second-generation dengue vaccines have enhanced design by utilizing the dengue virus as a backbone,” said Dr. Rontgene Solante, Infectious Disease Specialist, San Lazaro Hospital.

The WHO's Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) recommends considering the use of TAK003, a live-attenuated tetravalent second-generation dengue vaccine, for introduction in areas with high dengue disease burden and transmission intensity, particularly for children aged 6 to 16, targeting the age-specific peak incidence of dengue-related hospitalizations, which should be 1-2 years earlier.

"There exist other innovative strategies with the potential to prevent and treat dengue infections. Two monoclonal antibodies are currently undergoing testing in the pre-clinical stage: one has shown promising results in preventing bleeding and reducing viral load, while the other has demonstrated the capability to neutralize all four dengue serotypes,” noted Dr. Anna Lisa Ong-Lim, Pediatric Infectious Disease Expert, at Philippine General Hospital.

Government bodies, private sector entities, and dedicated stakeholders have recognized the need for concerted efforts in the prevention, management, and control of dengue. The ceremonial signing of the Collaborative Response Framework is a clear testament to the unwavering commitment of all stakeholders involved in combating this pressing health issue. You can take action and fight the mosquito in the room.

DTI Seizes almost P300K Prohibited Vape products in Valenzuela City Ops

The Department of Trade and Industry - Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (DTI-FTEB) seized 923 units of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products, and novel tobacco products worth Php 255,940.00 during its focused enforcement operation in Valenzuela City, on 04 May 2023.

Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo and DTI-FTEB Director Atty. Fhillip D. Sawali led the inspection of vape products being sold by seven (7) vape stores in Valenzuela City.

Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie T. Gatchalian is also present in the said activity, expressing his full support for DTI’s enforcement efforts.

Three (3) non-conforming shops were issued a Notice of Violation (NOV), and they were required to submit a written explanation within 48 hours from receipt of the NOV.

The common violations of non-compliant vape establishments are the failure to post the minimum age requirement, the absence of point-of-sale signage, and the sale of vapor products that are appealing to minors, such as those with fruit, candy, and dessert flavors; and/or packaging that features cartoon characters, and the sale and promotion of the said products within one hundred(100) meters from any point of perimeter of a school, playground, or other facility frequented by minors.

During the course of the DTI’s operations, the City Government of Valenzuela conducted an inspection, and two (2) the monitored vape stores were issued with a closure order for operating without a business permit.

USec. Atty. Castelo emphasized that the significant result of the enforcement operation in Valenzuela and the accomplishment of the campaign against violators of R.A. No. 11900 and its IRR in the National Capital Region (NCR), reflect the dedication and commitment of the DTI to protecting consumers and ensuring that products prohibited in

RA11900 are not sold in blatant contravention of the law.

“The DTI enforcement teams regularly conduct steadfast surveillance monitoring and enforcement operations in all cities of the National Capital Region (NCR) to ensure that appropriate actions are being taken against violators of R.A. No. 11900 and its IRR, and that prohibited vape products being sold are seized to safeguard consumers, especially minors,” said USec. Atty. Castelo.

Meanwhile, Valenzuela City Mayor Gatchalian, the former Deputy Speaker of the 18th Congress and co-sponsor of the vape law commits to the City Government’s obligation of regulating vape shops.

“Valenzuela City stands with the DTI in protecting consumer rights and welfare. We appreciate their efforts in implementing RA 11900, and rest assured that this local government unit is also doing its best to ensure that vape shops are operating with business permits and other documentary requirements,” Mayor Gatchalian underscored.

With DTI-FTEB as the CPG’s implementing arm, Director Atty. Sawali welcomes and commends the support of other government agencies such as the City Government of Valenzuela in enforcing RA 11900 and its IRR, and upholding consumer protection and welfare.

As of 02 May 2023, the enforcement teams have already monitored and visited 427 physical vape stores. Consequent to surveillance, the enforcement teams conducted physical validation where 139 firms were found to be compliant, while 171 firms were issued with Show Cause Orders (SCO) and Notices of Violation (NOV), mandating non-compliant firms to submit a written explanation within 48 hours from their receipt of SCOs and NOVs. The 117 monitored stores, however, were either closed or no longer selling vape products.

Alongside its enforcement operations among physical stores, the DTI-FTEB Online Monitoring Unit (OMU) has also intensified its monitoring initiatives, resulting in 17,828 monitored online vape stores. Of these, 93 online stores were found to be compliant, while 17,735 were non-compliant.

Out of the non-compliant online stores, only 98 have valid addresses and have been subjected to validation and physical inspection. During the physical inspection, 32 NOVs were issued while the rest were either closed or cannot be located.

Recognizing the challenge of regulating vape products in online platforms, 30 SCOs were issued to different online platforms notifying that there are online merchants selling or offering for sale vape products that do not conform with RA 11900 and its IRR. They were given 48 hours from receipt thereof to submit a written explanation.

The OMU is monitoring seven (7) major online platforms and 14 company websites daily.

Through the combined efforts of the on-the-ground and online enforcement teams, there are already 57 formal charges filed against violators of R.A. No. 11900 and its IRR. A case has also been filed against one of the largest e-commerce platforms in the country.

RA 11900 lapsed into law on July 25, 2022. The IRR was issued on 05 December 2022, published in Philippine Star and Pilipino Star Ngayon on 13 December 2022, and took effect on 28 December 2022, 15 days after publication. The law vests the regulatory jurisdiction over vapes and other novel tobacco products to the DTI, while providing complementary roles to other government agencies particularly, the Department of Health (DOH), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepEd), and Local Government Units (LGUs).

On top of confiscated vape products, the nationwide campaign of DTI against uncertified items in the market is highlighted by the intensified enforcement of products under technical regulations mandating compliance with Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes, particularly Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007.

The DTI-FTEB has already monitored 1,078 firms, from January to April 2023, resulting in the sealing of 22,286 units of uncertified consumer products worth Php10,553,762.80.

To protect consumers or potential buyers of electrical and electronic products; mechanical or building and construction materials; and chemical and other consumer products and systems, DTI – Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS) covered products and systems through implementing Mandatory Product Certification Schemes: the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark Licensing Scheme and the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Certification Scheme.

The DTI urges consumers to report violators of retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell uncertified items, through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or consumercare@dti.gov.ph.

DTI Seizes Almost P.5M Uncertified Products in Manila; Affirms Stable BNPC Prices and Supply

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), clutches Php418,578.00 worth of uncertified products; and verified the compliance of retail firms to the latest DTI Suggested Retail Price (SRP) bulletin in its simultaneous technical regulation enforcement and price and supply monitoring in Manila, on 16 December 2022.

Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo led the DTI monitoring and enforcement teams in inspecting retail firms within Manila.

The heightened enforcement resulted in the confiscation of 650 pieces of uncertified products including 67 pieces of self-ballasted LED bulbs; 144 pieces of lavatories and water closets; and 39 pieces of electric fans, electric rice cookers, electric food mixers, and induction cookers.

“The DTI’s intensified enforcement operation is to ensure that household appliances and other consumer products in the market have undergone and met safety standards,” Usec. Atty. Castelo said.

Usec. Atty. Castelo also reiterated that the DTI’s enforcement initiative is not to restrict business transactions. Instead, it safeguards product quality that guarantees market competitiveness and consumer safety.

All nine (9) firms inspected were issued a Notice of Violation. Thus, as part of the due process, the representative of the stores was given 48 hours to provide an explanation related to the findings of noncompliance.

Last 07 December 2022, DTI also conducted a similar activity that seized 609 pieces of uncertified products worth Php90, 569.00. Such has caused the issuance of NOVs to eight (8) retail firms for selling uncertified electric kettles, electric food mixers, electric fans, electric grills, electric cookers, electric food processors, electric rice cookers, electric juicers, and self-ballasted LED lamps.

From January to November 2022, FTEB has already confiscated 219,693 pieces of uncertified products worth Php67,490,780.90

The nationwide campaign of DTI against uncertified items in the market underscores the enforcement of DTI technical regulations mandating compliance with Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes, particularly Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007.

To protect consumers or potential buyers of electrical and electronic products; mechanical or building and construction materials; and chemical and other consumer products and systems, DTI- Bureau of Philippine Standards (BPS) regulates 87 products and systems through implementing Mandatory Product Certification Schemes: the Philippine Standard (PS) Quality and/or Safety Certification Mark Licensing Scheme and the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Certification Scheme.

Meanwhile, Usec. Atty. Castelo also headed the price monitoring teams in inspecting two (2) supermarkets in Manila to check their compliance with the latest SRP bulletin, released last 12 August 2022.

Aside from being compliant with the latest SRP bulletin, Usec. Atty. Castelo affirmed that both of the monitored supermarkets follow the Noche Buena Price Guide. Moreover, all of the Shelf Keeping Units (SKUs) including Noche Buena items have appropriate price tags.

Furthermore, Usec. Atty. Castelo also expressed that based on their discussion with retail chains, owners, and operators, the DTI is certain that the supply and prices of Basic Necessities and Prime Commodities (BNPCs) including Noche Buena Products will continue to remain stable.

The DTI urges consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell basic necessities above their SRPs or uncertified items, through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or consumercare@dti.gov.ph.

DTI Hosts the 58th ASEAN Consultative Committee on Standards and Quality (ACCSQ) Meeting in Boracay

The Department of Trade and Industry’s Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS), under the Consumer Protection Group (CPG), successfully hosted the 58th ASEAN Consultative Committee on Standards and Quality (ACCSQ) Meeting and its Related Meetings in Boracay, Malay, Aklan on 06-09 December 2022.

The Meeting was attended by ACCSQ Leaders from the following ASEAN Member States: Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam with the ASEAN Secretariat. The Meeting was chaired by Mr. Nou Thara, Deputy Director General, Institute of Standards Cambodia and vice-chaired by Mrs. Konny Sagala, Director, Directorate of Standard Implementation System and Conformity Assessment, National Standardization Agency of Indonesia. 

 

The Philippine Delegation was led by BPS Director Neil P. Catajay as Head of Delegation, Director Jesusa Joyce Cirunay from the Department of Health - Food and Drug Administration (DOH-FDA), Directory Romulo Aggangan from the Department of Science and Technology - Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) together with representatives from the DTI-Philippine Accreditation Bureau (PAB), DTI-Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB), DTI-Aklan,  DOST-Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI), and other BPS partners. 

 

 

Delegates of the 58th ACCSQ Meeting in Boracay, Philippines 

 

During the opening ceremony, DTI-CPG Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo and the ACCSQ Chair Mr. Nou Thara provided the welcome messages to the delegates. 

 

 

DTI-CPG Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo delivered her welcome remarks for the 58th ACCSQ Meeting via recorded video message 

 

"The ASEAN has shown resilience and perseverance amidst the pandemic. It has created purposeful measures to allow the region to recover from the effects of the pandemic. While we are on our way to recovery, it is still an uphill battle and would require enormous effort from all stakeholders. Aside from the post-pandemic effects, we are also witnessing new heights of development in the area of digital trade, and the fourth industrial revolution which present opportunities and challenges in the area of online consumer protection and product safety," underscored by Usec. Castelo. 

 

With the said developments, Usec. Catelo enjoined the ASEAN Member States to move forward together through collective and individual efforts, across different ASEAN communities: political-security, economic and socio-cultural. 

 

 

The ACCSQ Leaders, ASEAN Secretariat, and Other Delegates during the 58th ACCSQ Meeting Proper 

 

The Meeting discussed matters arising from the 57th ACCSQ Meeting, updates on the recent developments in the ASEAN Economic Integration, progress of 2022 Annual Priority (AP) Deliverables, latest updates in the signing of ASEAN legal instruments in 2022, AP Deliverables for 2023 proposed by Indonesia, the Standards and Conformance Strategic Plan 2016-2025 and Third Sector Masterplan of ASEAN Connectivity (MPAC) 2025, progress reports of ACCSQ Working Groups and Product Working Groups as well as Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment Procedures (STRACAP) in ASEAN Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with Australia and New Zealand, China, Korea, Japan, and Canada. The ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) upgrade negotiations and cooperation with Dialogue Partners were also tackled. 

 

In addition, the following Dialogue Meetings were held back-to-back with the 58th ACCSQ Meeting:  

1.      1st ACCSQ - UK Dialogue Meeting on Standards and Conformance, which highlighted UK’s overall support to ASEAN particularly for the economic sector, technical support for ACCSQ, and updates on the activities and engagements in international standards bodies; 

 

                    1st ACCSQ - UK Dialogue Meeting on Standards and Conformance 

 

2.      20th ACCSQ - EU Dialogue Meeting on Standards and Conformance, which discussed the overall support from EU to ASEAN and the progress of the ASEAN Regional Integration Support from EU (ARISE Plus); and 

 

              20th ACCSQ - EU Dialogue Meeting on Standards and Conformance 

 

3.      8th ASEAN Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Sub-Committee on STRACAP Meeting, which discussed the progress of ASEAN activities and projects in cooperation with Japan particularly the ASEAN-Japan Partnership Program for Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Safety Conformity Assessment of Multi-Media Equipment (MME) and the development of ASEAN Common Qualification Scheme for Quality Control Experts. 

 

                  8th ASEAN Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership (AJCEP) Sub-Committee on STRACAP Meeting 

 

The IEC Asia-Pacific Regional Centre (IEC-APRC) also provided updates to the Meeting on IEC's latest activities and programs. 

 

The ACCSQ is a sectoral body under the purview of the ASEAN Economic Ministers that is tasked to reduce, if not to remove, technical barriers to trade in order to realize the goals of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA). It was established to harmonize national standards with international standards, implement mutual recognition arrangements on conformity assessment, and develop harmonized regulatory regimes. 

 

The DTI-BPS functions as the Philippines’ lead agency to the ACCSQ. As lead, the DTI-BPS represents the country in the programs and events of the ACCSQ Leaders on standards and conformity assessment procedures and coordinates with other government agencies and the private sector involved in the activities of the Working Groups (WGs) and Product Working Groups (PWGs) under the ACCSQ. 

 

For more updates and information on standards, technical regulations, and conformity assessment procedures (STRACAP), please visit the BPS website (www.bps.dti.gov.ph). Emails and messages may also be sent to bps@dti.gov.ph or through the official BPS Facebook page (facebook.com/PHstandards).

DTI, CIDG Raid Essential Product Hoarders in Manila and Caloocan

Following the heightened consumer protection alert of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in this State of calamity declared by President Duterte, the DTI - Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) of the Consumer Protection Group (CPG), led by FTEB Director Ronnel O. Abrenica, and the Anti-Fraud and Commercial Crimes Unit (AFCCU) of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), led by PCOL Bayani M. Razalan, conducted an Entrapment Operation on March 20, 2020 against medical establishments located in Bambang, Manila and Sangandaan, Caloocan. The raids were in response to reports or complaints received from several consumers and complaints through Facebook account against establishments from Bambang and Caloocan respectively for alleged overpricing and hoarding of various medical products.

Through a Buy-Bust operation, the establishment in Bambang was caught by DTI-CIDG in the act of selling 60ml Isopropyl Alcohol at PhP80.00 per bottle, which is in disobedience to the Price Freeze issued by the government. Subsequent to the declaration of Public Health Emergency, the Department of Health (DOH) issued a Price Freeze on emergency medicines and medical supplies for the information of the public and for the compliance of retailers concerned. There was also an indication of Hoarding, taking into consideration the presence of signages that there are no available stocks to make it appear that there is shortage. However, contrary to such representation, alcohol products are available for sale to buyers, not to mention the several boxes thereof or volume of stocks discovered by the raiding agencies. In other words, the establishment is trying to depict an “Artificial Shortage.”

In the Bambang operation, the DTI-CIDG recovered 684 pieces of 500ml bottle of Green Cross 40% solution, 72 pieces of 500ml Green Cross 70% solution, 336 pieces of 60ml bottle Green cross alcohol, and 288 pieces of 40ml Green Cross alcohol hand spray amounting to an estimated total of Php231,000.00. The operation ensued in Sangandaan, which led to the arrest of the suspects who were caught in the act of selling overpriced 70% Ethyl Alcohol and the seizure of 83 pcs 500ml Ethyl Alcohol being sold at Php 140.00 each and 48 pcs of 1-liter Ethyl Alcohol being sold at Php 250.00 each with an overall estimated value of Php 23,620.00. All these alcohol products were brought to CIDG-AFCCU for proper documentation and processing.

Meanwhile, the DTI will refer the matter to the Local Government Unit concerned for appropriate action, recommending preferably the closure and cancellation of the Business Permit issued in favor of the retailer subject of the joint operation. Administrative charges shall be filed by DTI while the criminal charges shall be filed by CIDG-AFCCU or jointly with DTI, for violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 7581 or the Price Act as amended by RA No.10623 and/or RA No.7394 of Consumer Act of the Philippines. The charges shall also refer to Proclamation No. 922 declaring a State of Public Health Emergency and Article 14 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) on Aggravating Circumstances for the imposition of the maximum penalty prescribed by applicable laws.

Secretary Ramon M. Lopez explains, “Price Freeze is strictly implemented, which is why the DTI warns the establishments against taking advantage of the situation, particularly the high demand of alcohol of such nature, by raising their prices in excess of the ceiling provided either under the Automatic Price Control provision of the Price Act or the Price Ceiling set by the DOH.”

Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo reiterates to the consuming public to always check the issued Price Freeze or Price Ceiling on Medical Supplies and report any erring offline or online establishments through our Consumer Care hotline.

For further inquiries, clarifications, and/or complaints, consumers may immediately connect through Consumer Care hotline at 1-DTI (1-384) or may email at consumercare@dti.gov.ph