The Department of Trade and Industry has secured commitments from manufacturers to hold off price increases on basic goods until year's end. Trade Secretary Cristina Roque stated that all manufacturers have agreed to this measure. It aligns with President Marcos's directive to keep essential goods affordable during the holiday season.
In a statement, the DTI said that during the recent Consumer Welfare Month Stakeholders’ Appreciation Night, it called on manufacturers to help maintain current prices of basic necessities and prime commodities at least until the end of the year. “There will be no price increase for basic necessities and prime commodities until the end of the year. All manufacturers have agreed to this,” Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said in a Viber message yesterday.
The agency continues to coordinate with manufacturers and retailers to maintain the current suggested retail prices in line with President Marcos's directive to keep essential goods affordable during the holiday season. While the DTI has secured manufacturers’ support to keep prices stable for basic necessities and prime commodities, Roque said discussions are ongoing with producers of Noche Buena items. “We are still in talks with the manufacturers, but we will inform the public next week,” she said.
Basic necessities cover canned sardines, milk, coffee, bread, noodles, salt, detergent or laundry soap, bottled water, and candles. Meanwhile, prime commodities include canned meat products, condiments, toilet soap, and batteries.
The DTI is encouraging consumers to report any violations or instances of overpricing through the DTI Consumer Care Hotline (1-DTI or 1-384) or via email at [email protected] or [email protected].