Section 3Sec./Art. 3

Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Act, the term:

1. "Basic necessities" includes: rice; corn; bread; fresh, dried and canned fish and other marine products; fresh pork, beef and poultry meat; fresh eggs; fresh and processed milk; fresh vegetables; root crops; coffee; sugar; cooking oil; salt; laundry soap; detergents; firewood; charcoal; candles; and drugs classified as essential by the Department of Health;

2. "Buffer fund" means a contingent fund in the budget of the implementing agency which shall not be used in its normal or regular operations but only for purposes provided for in this Act;

3. "Implementing agency" means the department, agency or office of the Government which has jurisdiction over a basic necessity or prime commodity as defined in this Act, which shall be:

a. The Department of Agriculture, with reference to agricultural crops, fish and other marine products, fresh meat, fresh poultry and dairy products, fertilizers, and other farm inputs;

b. The Department of Health, with reference to drugs;

c. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, with reference to wood and other forest products; and

d. The Department of Trade and Industry, with reference to all other basic necessities and prime commodities.

4. "Panic-buying" is the abnormal phenomenon where consumers buy basic necessities and prime commodities grossly in excess of their normal requirement resulting in undue shortages of such goods to the prejudice of less privileged consumers;

5. "Person" means a natural person or a juridical person;

6. "Prevailing price" means the average price at which any basic necessity has been sold in a given area within a month from the occurrence of any of the enumerated under Section 6 this Act;

7. "Price ceiling" means the maximum price at which any basic necessity or prime commodity may be sold to the general public; and

8. "Prime commodities" include fresh fruits; flour; dried, processed and canned pork; beef and poultry meat; dairy products not falling under basic necessities; noodles; onions; garlic; vinegar; patis; soy sauce; toilet soap; fertilizer; pesticides; herbicides; poultry; swine and cattle feeds; veterinary products for poultry, swine and cattle; paper; school supplies; nipa shingles; sawali; cement; clinker; GI sheets; hollow blocks; plywood; plyboard; construction nails; batteries; electrical supplies; light bulbs; steel wire; and all drugs not classified as essential drugs by the Department of Health.