DTI monitors Undas, Noche Buena products; one supermarket found exceeding SRP

In an emailed statement, the agency said DTI Undersecretary Victorio Mario Dimagiba went around Metro Manila to check the prices of candles, flowers, bottled water, noche Buena products and basic and prime goods.

 

The DTI went to the Dangwa flower market in Manila to check the prices of flowers, which range from P90 to P650 per bundle, P5 to P7 higher compared with last' weeks prices.

 

The flowers monitored include Anastacia, Anthurium, Asther, Astroemeria, Carnation, Casa Blanca, Chrysanthemum, Gerbera, Malaysia Mums, Radus Mumps, Rose, Stargazer, and Tulip.

 

Dimagiba said the agency does not set suggested retail prices (SRPs) for flowers, and does not issue show cause orders for those who sell the said items at high prices.

 

"We are monitoring this to inform the consumers of the movement of prices of flowers during this time when such commodity is highly in demand," he said, adding the agency will conduct daily monitoring prices of the flowers to inform and guide consumers.

 

According to the official, supply of flowers in the market is enough.

 

On the other hand, DTI have set SRPs for candles. The agency said a stall in Dangwa sells candles within the SRPs.

 

Prices of candles in different sizes range from P20 to P42.25, cheaper than the prices indicated in the SRP list.

 

“The DTI is very pleased to see these cheaper brands of candles in the market. Consumers now have more brands to choose from that would fit their budget when shopping for such product.” Undersecretary Dimagiba said.

 

Brands of candles monitored by DTI include 5 Star Esperma, Joy Esperma, Glow, Saint Augustine Esperma, Vayao, Export Esperma, Olympia, San Isidro Candle, A&B Esperma, and Universal Esperma.

 

Noche Buena products

 

DTI conducted early monitoring of Noche Buena products in two grocery stores in Quezon City -- Welcome Supermarket and Tropical Hut Foodmart.

 

According to DTI, products sold in Tropical Hut Foodmart were below the SRPs, however, products in Welcome Supermarket were sold above the set prices.

 

DTI issued a show cause order, giving Welcome supermarket five days to explain the high prices of its items.

 

Meanwhile, stalls --  Hot na Hot Store, Mercedes Fores,  Stall #4 by Hilario Arciga, and BSCZV Store -- selling water bottles in Araneta Center Bus Terminal exceeded SRPs and were issued show cause orders. 

 

“The profit margin for retailers is already included in the SRPs so there is no reason for them to increase the prices of bottled water," Dimagiba said.

 

Under Republic Act No. 7581,  those who engage in price manipulation will face five to fifteen years imprisonment and will be fined P5,000 to P1 million.

 

"Consumers, on the other hand, are advised to look for the SRP posters that the DTI  has displayed in stores around NCR to be guided in their purchases.” Dimagiba said.

 

The Enforcement Team of the DTI Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau, during the monitoring, has issued a notice of violation to DIY Hardware in New Farmers Plaza for for selling mono bloc stools, extension cords, and outlets with no Philippine Standard (PS) and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) marks.

 

A total of 74 pieces of said products were pulled out from the shop.

 

DTI may report retailers that sell products above SRPs through the agency's telephone number: 02 751 3330 or 0917 8343330.  Consumers may also download a list of the monitored products from the DTI website.  — Kathryn Mae Tubadeza/ELR, GMA News