By Liezelle Soriano
MANILA — Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque on Thursday (28 Nov 2024) said that there would be no price increase for the basic necessities until year end.
“First and foremost, for the prices for basic necessities, no price increase until the end of the year,” Aldeguer-Roque said in a press briefing in Malacañang.
“And then for the Noche Buena, more than 50 percent, the price will remain the same as last year. And ‘yung mga iba, they just increased but less than five percent,” she added.
Aldeguer-Roque, however, clarified the minor price increases on certain commodities are already being implemented and represent the first adjustments since last year.
The DTI official further explained these increases are necessary to account for rising costs, particularly for imported goods.
“Actually, there was no price increase since last year. So, of course, prices — some are imported products have already increased. So, they decided to request if they could increase,” she said.
“So that at least, kahit papaano, our consumers will have, of course, a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. And not too much of increase also,” she added.
ia/mnm
