By Jennifer Mendoza (PNA)
DAVAO CITY — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) urged businesses here to strictly follow the suggested retail prices (SRPs) of Noche Buena products, basic items, and prime commodities to avoid fines and penalties.
DTI 11 (Davao Region) issued the call Thursday amid the rising prices of fuel and other related products that caused a stir among consumers.
Noche Buena products include ham, fruit cocktail, cheese, sandwich spread, mayonnaise, queso de bola, pasta/spaghetti, elbow and salad macaroni, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, and creamer.
Basics include canned sardines, processed milk (condensed, evaporated and powdered), bread, instant noodles, detergent soap, bottled water (distilled, purified and mineral), and candles.
Considered as prime commodities are luncheon meat, meatloaf, corned beef, beef loaf, condiments (vinegar, fish sauce, soy sauce), toilet/bath soap, and batteries.
DTI-11 said that based on Section 2 of Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, “it is the policy of the State” that prices of basic products and prime commodities “must just be within the set SRPs.”
It warned that under Department Administrative Order (DAO) No. 06, series of 2007, businesses found guilty of violating the Price Act will also face an administrative fine of PHP20,000 to PHP1 million.
DTI-11 Director Maria Belenda Q. Ambi said the agency’s field offices are consistently monitoring business establishments to make sure they adhere to the set SRPs.
“There will be no let-up in our monitoring of Noche Buena products, basic commodities and prime commodities, as well as fair trade law enforcement to ensure prices and supply situation in the region are stable,” she said.
The complete list of SRPs of basic goods, prime commodities, and Noche Buena products can be accessed through the DTI official website and DTI offices nationwide.
