By Myris Lee
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said Tuesday, June 7, that three manufacturers have requested for an increase in the prices of their products.
The three manufacturers seeking price adjustment are Pinoy Tasty, one brand of canned sardines, and a maker of detergent bars. It was only last May 11 when the DTI approved the suggested retail price (SRP) increase of certain basic goods.
“From the time of increase, mayroon tayong tatlong manufacturers na nag-request na naman ng panibagong [price] increase. Tatlo lang naman, hindi naman lahat ng produkto,” Castelo said in the Laging Handa briefing.
Castelo said the review on the request to raise prices of basic goods will take four to six weeks.
“Mayroon namang mga justifications, but DTI is just waiting iyong mga month-on -month and week-on-week na presyo ng mga raw materials nito, kaya tinitingnan natin ang mga adjustment at kung magkano,” she said.
“That’s why talagang todo ang pag-aaral natin at hindi naman po tayo nagdi-disapprove. Tina-time lang natin at hinahati-hati natin para sa consumers para hindi sila masyadong mabigatan na isang beses ka lang mag-i-increase tapos sobrang laki,” she added.
Meanwhile, the official said the salary increase of workers is not a factor behind the adjustment of basic goods prices.
“Ang computation talaga natin is based on raw materials and production. So, hindi po involved iyong factor ng wages natin,” she said. – ag
