Bongbong Marcos seeks halt to price increases in basic goods
Former Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, Sept. 3 urged the government to implement a moratorium on price increases in basic goods amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In its latest Suggested Retail Price (SRP) list as of August 29, 2021, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has permitted price increases in several basic commodities.
"I am appealing to the DTI to suspend the price increases in these basic goods since we are still in a pandemic. Marami po ang nawalan ng trabaho at ang ilan pa nga ay talagang hirap makapaghanapbuhay dahil sa lockdowns (Many have lost their jobs and there are those having a difficult livelihood situations due to lockdowns)," Marcos said.
`The SRP list showed increases as high as P2.25 in some goods. Pinoy favorites such as sardines increased by P0.50 to P0.75, canned meat was up by P0.75 to P2, Instant noodles increased by P0.25.
`"Siguro para sa iba ay wala ito masyadong epekto, pero sa isang tao o pamilyang naghihikahos ngayon, malaking adjustment sa budget ang idudulot nito (Others may not be greatly affected but to a poor person or family, there is a big adjustment in their budgeting). Mas kokonti lalo ang mabibili nilab (They cannot buy much). Wala naman sigurong mababangkaroteng kumpanya kung sususpendihin muna natin ang price increases sa mga produktong ito (Companies might not be financially distressed if price increases of products are suspended)," stressed the former senator.
Breakfast staples such as three-in-one coffee went up by P0.50, condensed milk up by P0.50 to P1.25, while powdered milk went up by P0.50 to P1.35.
`Condiments such as iodized salt went up by P1.40 to P2.25 and vinegar up by P0.50. Detergent soap's SRP went up by P1 as well.
SRPs for bread, bottled water, candies, toilet soap, and batteries remained relatively unchanged.
The SRP list posted by DTI contains a range of basic necessities ranging from canned and other food products, bottled water, dairy, and common household or kitchen supplies and serves as a handy price guide for consumers and retail stores.
The DTI has said it has not allowed any price adjustments in the SRP since September 2019.