MANILA — To cushion Filipino consumers from rising costs ahead of the holiday rush, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to prevent overpricing on basic and prime commodities.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) undersecretary Claire Castro said the move seeks to ensure price stability for essential goods as demand typically surges during the Christmas season.
“Alinsunod sa kautusan ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr. na hindi magkakaroon ng paggalaw sa mga presyo ng mga bilihin bago ang holiday season, inanunsyo ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) na walang price increase sa basic at prime commodities sa bansa hanggang sa matapos ang kasalukuyang taon,” Castro said.
The President also instructed the DTI to intensify market surveillance and strictly monitor compliance with the suggested retail prices (SRP) of imported rice and other key food products to curb profiteering and hoarding.
Marcos further directed the agency to coordinate closely with manufacturers and suppliers to sustain current pricing levels and discourage unjustified hikes during the peak shopping period.
Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque, according to Castro, has assured that the DTI is working “hand-in-hand with industry stakeholders” to maintain market stability.
“Nagtutulungan din ang lahat upang maibigay ang presyo na naaayon at gusto ng ating mga kababayan,” she added. /PN
