The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on Thursday discovered that some suppliers in Mandaluyong City public market increased the price for a sack of sugar by up to P50. On Mark Salazar's "Balitanghali" report, the suppliers explained they increased the price in supposed observance of the anticipated price change tied to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law. Trade Undersecretary for Consumer Protection Group Teodoro Pascua clarified that the newly-enacted law, which imposes a higher tax on sugary drinks and other basic commodities, has yet to take effect on January 2018. Moreover, the DTI emphasized that only manufacturers hold the authority to compute for new prices and are likewise required to coordinate these with the agency. The DTI's Consumer Protection Group, who discovered the price increase while conducting inspections to monitor Noche Buena products this holiday season, reiterated that the basic commodities to be affected by the higher taxes are expected to remain within their suggested retail prices until after the Train law is implemented next year. Aside from some sugar-sweetened beverages, the Train law also imposes higher taxes on fuel, cars, coal, tobacco and mining. The measure was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte last Tuesday. — Margaret Claire Layug/BM, GMA News
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