SAIPAN — Governor David M. Apatang signed Executive Order No. 2026-005 Saturday, declaring a price freeze on all goods and housing rentals effective immediately as Typhoon Sinlaku approaches the Marianas.
Under the order, all prices of items for sale and all housing rentals including apartments and condos are frozen until the price freeze is rescinded or the state of significant emergency is terminated. The order took effect the moment it was signed April 11, 2026.
Violations carry serious consequences. Any person who raises prices or housing rentals while the freeze is in effect faces criminal penalties of up to $10,000, one year of imprisonment, or both, and is guilty of a felony under 4 CMC Section 5143. Civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation also apply.
The price freeze is authorized under 4 CMC Section 5142, which allows the governor to declare a price freeze upon issuing a state of significant emergency. Governor Apatang declared that emergency earlier Saturday under Executive Order No. 2026-004.
