Noche Buena items to remain at 2019 prices, DTI exec says

Noche Buena items will return to 2019 prices this holiday season, according to Department of Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ruth Castelo.

Interviewed on GMA News TV’s Balitanghali on Tuesday, she said the DTI denied some brands' requests for a price hike on some Christmas food items.

“Nakuha natin sa pakiusap na hindi sila mag-taas ng presyo. So lahat ng Noche Buena items in the bulletin ng DTI, mabibili nila at 2019 prices,” Castelo said.

“’Yung nag-increase this year pinilit natin mag-rollback, so ibabalik nila sa 2019. Karamihan diyan hindi talaga nag-increase dahil nakuha natin sa pakiusap na huwag munang gumalaw this year,” she added.

Earlier, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez said several manufacturers heeded the department’s call not to hike the prices of Noche Buena products amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to him, some companies were still seeking the approval of the DTI for them to increase prices at least one percent.

Lopez insisted that these firms must justify retail price adjustments. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA News