By Alec Go
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said Monday, May 29, that the Feb. 8 suggested retail price (SRP) bulletin of basic necessities and prime commodities remains effective.
According to the DTI, it is still reviewing requests from some manufacturers to raise prices.
“[The] DTI continues to study these requests for validation and comparison with international prices. And of course, we need to balance the interests of different sectors,” DTI Secretary Alfredo Pascual said, adding that basic goods should be made accessible to Filipino families.
Ruth Castelo, the DTI Consumer Protection Group undersecretary, said they have “reliable references on the global prices of raw materials” in determining the “reasonableness of the requests” for price hike.
The DTI urged the public to report violators of the Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act, such as retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell basic necessities and prime commodities beyond their SRPs.
The DTI may be reached out through One-DTI (1-384) hotline, or through email at ConsumerCare@dti.gov.ph. – gb