By Brian Campued
Allaying public concerns on possible surge in the prices of basic goods due to rising fuel costs, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque on Friday confirmed that the prices of basic necessities and prime commodities (BNPCs) monitored by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will remain unchanged until May 10.
In a media interview during a monitoring activity at a supermarket in Muntinlupa City, Roque said the extension adds nearly two weeks to the April 30 date announced earlier by the DTI following meetings with the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association, Inc.
“Based on our latest meetings with them, they have extended the no price increase for basic necessities and prime commodities up to May 10… There’s no price increase for [BNPCs], meaning food prices are stable,” Roque said, adding that consumers must be aware of the list of BNPCs that are being controlled and monitored by the DTI.
According to the DTI’s latest SRPs for basic goods, the products included in the extension period are canned sardines, processed milk, bread, coffee, locally-manufactured instant noodles, bottled water, laundry soap and detergents, candles, salt, canned meat, condiments, toilet soap, and batteries.
Under Republic Act No. 7581, or the Price Act, as amended by RA No. 10623, basic necessities refer to goods that are vital to the needs of consumers for their sustenance and existence.
On the other hand, prime commodities are goods not considered as basic necessities but are essential to consumers for daily living.
The Price Act mandates appropriate government agencies to monitor the prices of BNPCs that fall under their respective jurisdictions to ensure that consumers are protected from unreasonable price hikes.
Aside from the aforementioned non-agricultural essentials, the DTI also monitors the prices of flour, processed meat, school supplies, construction materials, and electrical supplies.
Meanwhile, agricultural products such as rice, corn, cooking oil, fresh or dried fish and meat, eggs, vegetables, fresh milk, fruits, sugar, along with farm inputs such as fertilizers and feeds are monitored by the Department of Agriculture.
The Department of Energy monitors household liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene, while the Department of Environment and Natural Resources monitors firewood, charcoal, plywood, ply board, nipa shingles, and “sawali”.
Lastly, the Department of Health monitors essential and non-essential drugs.
Roque assured the public that the DTI will continue to meet with manufacturers and retailers to ensure fair pricing and sufficient supply of basic goods, in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to protect consumers and maintain market stability amid current challenges brought about by the conflict in the Middle East.
“There’s always a request (for price increases), but then nakakaintindi rin naman ang mga manufacturers sa mga consumers. So for now, again, up to May 10 po tayo [na] no increase in [BNPCs] nationwide in the major supermarkets and groceries,” the DTI chief said. (with report from Elijah Canlas / PTV News)
-jpv
