SRP and more
Published Feb 11, 2023 12:02 am
MEDIUM RARE
Jullie Y. Daza
Why is it called “suggested retail price” when a violation spells a stiff fine of up to P2 million and/or a prison term of 12 years?
As a battlecry, SRP cannot defend consumers from rising prices, even when they understand that the costs of production, distribution, and delivery are to blame. But while they complain of the high prices of sardines, bread, canned meats, instant soup, nobody has said a word about toilet paper, which is as essential a supermarket item as it can get.
I’m not suggesting a boycott, oh no, only a closer look, because some manufacturers have not only increased the price of toilet paper, they are also selling us thinner and thinner sheets and charging us more for the luxury of supporting their business.
While whisper-thin toilet paper is good for the environment, the counterargument is that though easier to dissolve in water, it also means that more of the raw material is needed to be useful, a fact you cannot wipe away by wishing.
Senators Win Gatchalian and Imee Marcos asked resource persons from DSWD why they were making it difficult for centenarians to collect their P100,000 reward. Citing stories told by his “Marites” sources, Win suggested it was ridiculous to ask claimants to produce their school records to prove their longevity. As if you needed to be educated to deserve a long life.
Cutting to the chase, Imee said, “Let’s be frank. You don’t have money.” The reply was a deafening silence.
The “national emergency” of teen- and pre-teen pregnancies has emerged once again. Why don’t we ask parents, teachers, DepEd and the clergy of all faiths what is so sinful about providing sex education to boys and girls who are in that thrillsome stage of a puppy love, crush, or infatuation? Prevent pregnancy without mentioning the dirty word “sex”? How about talking about the birds and bees in sign language? Suggestion: Call it Health and Hygiene, to cure the objectors of their fears once and for all.
A college graduate rued how she couldn’t land a job despite her high grades because employers want an experienced employee. As a headhunter once noted, “Employers want a 23-year-old with a 30-year experience on the job.” Great suggestion! C’est la vie.
Jullie Y. Daza
Why is it called “suggested retail price” when a violation spells a stiff fine of up to P2 million and/or a prison term of 12 years?
As a battlecry, SRP cannot defend consumers from rising prices, even when they understand that the costs of production, distribution, and delivery are to blame. But while they complain of the high prices of sardines, bread, canned meats, instant soup, nobody has said a word about toilet paper, which is as essential a supermarket item as it can get.
I’m not suggesting a boycott, oh no, only a closer look, because some manufacturers have not only increased the price of toilet paper, they are also selling us thinner and thinner sheets and charging us more for the luxury of supporting their business.
While whisper-thin toilet paper is good for the environment, the counterargument is that though easier to dissolve in water, it also means that more of the raw material is needed to be useful, a fact you cannot wipe away by wishing.
Senators Win Gatchalian and Imee Marcos asked resource persons from DSWD why they were making it difficult for centenarians to collect their P100,000 reward. Citing stories told by his “Marites” sources, Win suggested it was ridiculous to ask claimants to produce their school records to prove their longevity. As if you needed to be educated to deserve a long life.
Cutting to the chase, Imee said, “Let’s be frank. You don’t have money.” The reply was a deafening silence.
The “national emergency” of teen- and pre-teen pregnancies has emerged once again. Why don’t we ask parents, teachers, DepEd and the clergy of all faiths what is so sinful about providing sex education to boys and girls who are in that thrillsome stage of a puppy love, crush, or infatuation? Prevent pregnancy without mentioning the dirty word “sex”? How about talking about the birds and bees in sign language? Suggestion: Call it Health and Hygiene, to cure the objectors of their fears once and for all.
A college graduate rued how she couldn’t land a job despite her high grades because employers want an experienced employee. As a headhunter once noted, “Employers want a 23-year-old with a 30-year experience on the job.” Great suggestion! C’est la vie.