DTI’s Lopez: Manufacturers committed to keeping prices of noche buena items unchanged

A number of manufacturers have committed to keep prices of noche buena unchanged amid the holiday season, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said Monday.

According to Lopez, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will be promoting manufacturers which will keep prices of noche buena items unchanged.

“Mas marami ‘yung mga hindi nagtaas, nag-abiso na sila, hindi magtataas ‘yung mga ham, ‘yung mga queso de bola, mga fruit cocktail, etcetera, mga pasta and sauce,” he said during the virtual briefing with presidential spokesperson Harry Roque Jr.

[Majority of the manufacturers have advised that they will not increase prices of products such as ham, queso de bola, fruit cocktails, pasta and sauce.]

Lopez said prices of grocery products have been minimal so far, with more than half of basic goods retaining their prices.

“Ang grocery products halos 3% lamang, halos hindi mo mararamdaman itong mga paggalaw,” he said.

[Grocery products have increased by only nearly 3%, which can barely be felt.]

Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) indicate that inflation clocked in at 4.6% in October, above the government’s target range of 2% to 4%. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/RSJ, GMA News