PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — The local Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is reminding businesses here to follow its endorsed Suggested Retail Prices (SRPs) of basic necessities and prime commodities and avoid overpricing.
DTI-Palawan Provincial Director Rosenda Fortunado said Monday that amid imminent increases due to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, businesses should not take advantage in the province or they may face sanctions.
“The DTI is warning businesses against illegal manipulation of prices of basic and prime commodities. There is a fair price act, where prices should be affordable, justifiable income for them, and enough supply,” she said.
She supplied further that sellers have to place price tags on their products that consumers should be able to see clearly.
“If there’s illegal manipulation of prices, the number one proof of that is missing price tags,” Fortunado informed.
If the DTI-Palawan can prove that a certain business establishment is doing unfair pricing, the owner “can be held liable, and this is with imprisonment”.
“In case they do not adhere to the fair trade law, price tag law, and price act, then the DTI fair trade enforcement bureau can move to penalize them. So far, in Palawan, our businessmen are cooperative,” she said.
On TRAIN law effect, the DTI-Palawan chief said if there is movement in the prices of basic and prime commodities, they are minimal and only because manufacturers are using gasoline in production.
“Actually, in the increase of taxes, the prices of basic and prime commodities are not included.
However, their prices were affected because there is a component in manufacturing where gasoline is used. Like when you make sardines, the use of gasoline is required, so this is the reason why there is a slight increase in the prices of canned goods,” said Fortunado.
She said the manufacturers have already adjusted their increase, and these are only one to two percent of the old SRP last year.
The DTI-Palawan has since conducted price monitoring among big wholesalers on the new SRPs, and they were glad to note that the pegs were within what they have recommended, she added.
“For example, at the New City Commercial Center, the suggested retail price for a family pack of sardines is PHP12, and on their shelves, they have the same price,” she said.
In municipalities in Palawan, prices are slightly higher as sellers claimed the fare to transport their goods has also increased, Fortunado said.
“Going to El Nido, one box of sardines with 30 cans costs PHP30, or PHP1 per can, to transport to the municipality,” she said, via bus or shuttle van.
But products that are transported by panels should not go beyond their suggested retail prices since they are delivered free of charge.
As of January 1, the SRP of canned sardines in tomato sauce ranges from PHP12-PHP14 depending on the brand; processed and condensed milk PHP54.50 for Alaska sweetened filled milk and PHP67 for milkmaid full cream; coffee refill in supermarkets between PHP16.75 for 25 grams and PHP39.40 for 50 grams; 150 grams powdered milk between PHP43.50-PHP73.30; Pinoy tasty (loaf of bread) 450 grams at PHP35 and Pinoy pandesal (10 pieces per pack) PHP21.50; and chicken and beef flavor instant noodles PHP6.30 and PHP7.30, among others. (Celeste Anna Formoso/PNA)
