Violators of the Noche Buena price guide will be reported to the concerned item manufacturers to face potential suspension of their transactions, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual said this as the DTI has intensified its price monitoring and enforcement operations for Noche Buena items and Christmas lights in supermarkets and malls, ensuring the rights of consumers are protected during the upcoming holiday season.

“Our primary goal is to ensure a wide range of quality and reasonably-priced products for Filipino families during Noche Buena,” Pascual said during a monitoring activity in Divisoria last Wednesday, Nov. 29.

Recently, the DTI said that it will not directly issue notices of violation to retailers, supermarkets, grocery stores, or wet markets that do not adhere to the price guide, as it is not mandated by the law.  

Pascual clarified that manufacturers will take care of dealing with retailers selling products that are higher than the suggested retail prices (SRP).

Following the release of the Price Guide for Noche Buena items issued on Nov. 21, Pascual mobilized the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau’s (FTEB) monitoring unit to conduct a surprise on-site survey focused on verifying the actual market prices of common holiday products, such as pasta, sauce, noodles, ham, and cheese.

Pascual, who joined the monitoring activity in Divisoria, said that some Noche Buena products are priced lower than the suggested prices upon his personal inspection in two supermarkets.

Meanwhile, the DTI chief also spearheaded the intensified enforcement of technical regulations in 18 stores, resulting in the confiscation of 235 units of uncertified and unbranded Christmas lights.

During the inspection, four sellers were issued with Notices of Violation requiring a written explanation within 48 hours.

“We urge consumers to be vigilant and seek legitimate Philippine Standard (PS) Marks and Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) when purchasing Christmas lights to ensure the safety of your family this holiday season,” Pascual stressed.

According to the Consumer Act of the Philippines (RA 7394), manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers shall be liable for damages caused to consumers by defective and unsafe products as well as for insufficient or inadequate information on the use and hazards.

The DTI affirmed continuous engagement in a campaign against uncertified items in the market, including the enforcement of technical regulations mandating compliance with Philippine Standard Certification Mark Schemes, particularly Department Administrative Order No. 02, Series of 2007.

The DTI encourages consumers to report retailers, distributors, and manufacturers that sell basic necessities above their SRPs or uncertified items, through the Consumer Care Hotline at DTI (1-384) or [email protected]