Malacañang on Tuesday clarified that its earlier announcement was not about the imposition of a price freeze, but only a strict monitoring of basic goods as ordered by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President directed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to closely coordinate with manufacturers to assure that the cost of basic and prime commodities would not go up during the Christmas Season.
“The President instructed the DTI to continue monitoring prices and coordinate with manufacturers and stakeholders not to make any price increase for prime and basic commodities especially during Holiday Season up to the end of the year,” Castro said in a text message in mixed English and Filipino to reporters Tuesday, Oct. 28.
Castro clarified that Marcos’ order was to strictly monitor the implementation of the suggested retail price (SRP), particularly for imported rice and essential food items.
Castro added that more manufacturers and stakeholders were cooperating.
“It is not price freeze,” she declared.
“The President has made it clear that there should be no movement in prices before the holiday season. The DTI was directed to ensure close coordination with manufacturers and retailers so that prices remain stable through Christmas,” Castro said.
She added that DTI Secretary Maria Christina Aldeguer Roque has confirmed the cooperation of all stakeholders to keep market prices constant.
“All sectors are working together with the government to make sure that Filipinos can enjoy affordable goods this holiday season,” Castro said.
The Palace said the move forms part of the administration’s broader efforts to protect consumers and ease the financial burden of families amid the festivities.
In a statement moments before boarding his plane to Malaysia, Marcos vowed stronger government action to keep prices of essential goods stable, particularly food, as Filipinos brace for higher demand during the holiday season.
“We hear our people’s call for government interventions to lower the price of goods, especially food,” President Marcos said, emphasizing that the administration is enforcing the maximum suggested retail price (SRP) for imported rice.
The President said the government continues to make affordable rice available through programs such as the P20-per-kilo rice initiative, while DTI is coordinating with manufacturers to temper price increases on basic and prime commodities.
