CONSUMERS can heave a sigh of relief as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said there will be no price increase on basic necessities until the end of 2025.
This was confirmed by DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque to GMA News Online on October 24.
In an ambush interview with reporters, Roque announced that “there will be no price increase in basic necessities and prime commodities until the end of the year.”
Asked if the DTI had asked manufacturers not to hike prices, Roque said, “Yes, all cooperate… no issues at all.”
The Republic Act 10623, or the Price Act, defines basic necessities as “goods vital to the needs of consumers for their sustenance and existence,” while prime commodities are “goods not considered as basic necessities but are essential to consumers.”
Under the DTI’s jurisdiction, basic necessities include bread, canned fish, and other marine products, potable bottled water, processed milk, instant noodles, coffee, salt, laundry soap and detergents, and candles, among others.
Prime commodities, as per the DTI, include flour, canned pork and beef, vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce (patis), bath soap, cement, batteries, electrical supplies, and lightbulbs, among others. (GMA Integrated News)
