By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora | Philippine News Agency
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has directed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to make sure that there is no price increase in basic and prime commodities during the holiday season until yearend.
“Alinsunod sa kautusan ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na hindi magkakaroon ng paggalaw sa mga presyo ng mga bilihin bago ang holiday season, inanunsiyo ng Department of Trade and Industry na walang price increase sa basic at prime commodities sa bansa hanggang sa matapos ang kasalukuyang taon,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said on the sidelines of the 47th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on Monday.
Marcos, she said, instructed the DTI to ensure the strict monitoring and implementation of the maximum suggested retail prices (SRP) for imported rice and other essential food items.
Marcos also ordered the DTI to continue its coordination with manufacturers to maintain current price levels and prevent unwarranted price hikes.
“More manufacturers and stakeholders are cooperating. It is not [a] price freeze,” she said in a separate statement on Tuesday.
Castro said Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque earlier assured that all industry stakeholders are working closely with the government to stabilize market prices, particularly during the holiday period.
“Nagtutulungan din ang lahat upang maibigay ang presyo na naaayon at gusto ng ating mga kababayan,” she said.
