Prices of agricultural goods exceed SRP despite price freeze in Luzon

Despite the price freeze imposed in Luzon in light of the impact of recent typhoons, the prices of some raw meat and vegetables in wet markets have exceeded the suggested retail price (SRP).

Some consumers complained about the high prices, according to a report by Bernadette Reyes on GMA News TV’s Balitanghali on Tuesday.

At Litex Market in Quezon City, the price of beef increased from P350 to P380 per kilo. The actual price for beef brisket is P300 per kilo, while beef round is P350 per kilo.

The prices of some vegetables are at least double the SRP:

• ampalaya – SRP at P80; price in the market at P200
• talong – SRP at P60; price in the market at P140
• pechay – SRP at P80; price in the market at P130
• sitaw – SRP at P80; price in the market at P120
• kalabasa – SRP at P30; price in the market at also at P30
• kamatis – SRP at P100; price in the market also P100

According to vendors, they could not maintain the prevailing prices of these goods because they also bought them at higher prices.

“Hindi po kaya kasi puhunan pa lang magkano na, P170-P180. Tumaas kasi ngayon dahil sa bagyong dumaan,” Charez Reambonanza said.

Even highland vegetables from Baguio City are being sold at prices exceeding the SRP. In Trabajo Market in Manila, the prices of some vegetables are P10 to P90 higher than the SRP:

• repolyo – SRP at P60; price in the market at P120
• carrots – SRP at P80; price in the market at P120
• Baguio beans – SRP at P100; price in the market at P140
• patatas – SRP at P70; price in the market at P80
• pechay Baguio – SRP at P60; price in the market at P150
• sayote – SRP at P30; price in the market at P50

The price of beef is P400 per kilo, which also exceeds the SRP.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) warned of penalties in violating the SRP including up to P1 million in fines. DA Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista said sellers should justify the increase in the prices.

“Kapag price freeze, lahat ng mga commodities is based on three months or even just one month ng prevailing price,” Kristine Evangelista said.

“We do cost structure ng mga commodities kaya alam po natin magkano ang farm gate, logistics cost. Although, fina-factor in din natin 'yung kailangan na markup ng ating retailers,” she added.

As for goods sold in supermarkets, meanwhile, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said that most of the retailers are following the SRP.

“Mas madali sa amin kasi fixed ang presyo sa retail. Mas madaling i-monitor. Lumalabas din kasi sa mga computer nila ‘yan. They follow strictly ‘yung SRP ng DTI,” she said in an interview on Balitanghali.

According to Castelo, supermarkets who violate the SRP will receive a letter of intent and notice of violation from DTI, which will be followed by filing of a case.

To save money, Castelo advised consumers to buy goods in supermarkets where prices are more stable than in regular markets.

Castelo earlier said a price freeze on basic goods is automatically in place in Luzon after President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of calamity in the island. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News