‘NO TO PROFITEERING’: DTI presses compliance to suggested retail prices

BLOOMING TRIBUTES FOR ALL SAINTS’ DAY. Flower vendors near the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral in Iloilo City project that this year’s sales for All Saints’ and All Souls’ days could be dampened by inclement weather. Bringing flowers to cemeteries to honor departed loved ones is an age-old Filipino tradition, triggering a surge in flower demand every November 1 and 2. Small flower baskets range from P100 to P350, while larger arrangements can reach up to P1,200. AJ PALCULLO/PN
BLOOMING TRIBUTES FOR ALL SAINTS’ DAY. Flower vendors near the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral in Iloilo City project that this year’s sales for All Saints’ and All Souls’ days could be dampened by inclement weather. Bringing flowers to cemeteries to honor departed loved ones is an age-old Filipino tradition, triggering a surge in flower demand every November 1 and 2. Small flower baskets range from P100 to P350, while larger arrangements can reach up to P1,200. AJ PALCULLO/PN

ILOILO City – As Western Visayas prepares for the traditional observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on November 1 and 2, respectively, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has reminded retailers to adhere to the Suggested Retail Prices (SRP) for candles and bottled water.

The SRP, issued back on January 12, 2024, aims to ensure fair pricing of these in-demand items during the Halloween break.

DTI Region 6 director Rachel Nufable, along with the agency’s provincial directors from Iloilo, Guimaras, Aklan, Capiz, and Antique, assured the public that price monitoring efforts are being intensified.

Their recent assessment showed stable prices for bottled water and candles since January, with some price reductions observed in Iloilo City — certain brands of bottled water are down by 12 percent, and some candle prices have fallen by up to 4.34 percent.

“This time of remembrance is significant for many, and DTI Region 6 is committed to safeguarding consumer welfare, ensuring both fair pricing and sufficient supply of essential goods like bottled water and candles,” said Nufable.

DTI-6 is also monitoring flower prices, although flowers are not considered basic necessities or prime commodities.

“We affirm our commitment to monitor the supply and prices of basic necessities and prime commodities, particularly bottled water and candles, which will see high demand during the observance,” said Atty. Jazer Miranda, officer-in-charge of DTI-6’s Consumer Protection Division.

He assured the public that, based on DTI-6’s collaboration with local government units (LGUs) and national agencies, the region has an adequate supply of essentials within the SRP range.

“We acknowledge our partner establishments for consistently honoring the SRP, with some prices even below the suggested levels,” he noted.

To enforce SRP compliance, DTI-6 is collaborating with LGUs to activate Local Price Coordinating Councils, empowering local authorities to monitor price levels in their areas.

Retailers are also encouraged to participate in DTI’s “Bagwis” program, which mandates welfare desks within stores to address consumer complaints promptly.

“Consumer welfare is a shared responsibility. We urge businesses to follow fair trade and pricing laws, and we ask consumers to make mindful purchases within their needs to prevent panic buying or hoarding,” Miranda said.

So far, DTI-6 has not received any consumer complaints related to price manipulation. For reference, the SRP on selected bottled water and candle products as of January 12, 2024, includes:

Bottled Water

* Distilled Water: 325 mL – P6; 330 mL – P12; 500 mL – P8; 1 Liter – P27.50; 6 Liters – P82; 7 Liters – P88

* Purified Water: 300 mL – P5; 355 mL – P8.50; 1 Liter – P15.40 to P19.50

* Mineralized Water: 350 mL – P11; 500 mL – P10.45; 6 Liters – P75

Candles

* Export Vigil Candles (12 pcs per pack) – P60.50

* Manila Wax Votive (6 pcs per pack) – P71.09

* Liwanag Candles White (20 pcs per pack) – P88.50

* 5-Star Esperma White (25 pcs per pack) – P106.10

Retailers found overcharging will be required to provide a written explanation. Reasonable factors like logistics costs may be considered; however, those unable to justify price increases may face administrative fines ranging from P1,000 to P300,000.

DTI-6 advises consumers to check product prices against the SRP and, when possible, to choose locally made candles and bottled water to support small and medium enterprises.

For flowers, the agency suggests sticking to one’s budget, with arrangements starting at P150 and varying by flower type and arrangement complexity./PN

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