A PARTY-LIST lawmaker on Friday assailed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) over its statement that ₱500 was a good enough for the traditional Noche Buena feast on Christmas Eve.
However, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque maintained that P500 is enough to cover a basic Noche Buena for a family of four, based on this year’s DTI Noche Buena price index.
“On what planet would ₱500 be enough for a Filipino family’s Noche Buena?” Bicol Saro party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, said in a statement.
Ridon was reacting to DTI Secretary Cristina Roque’s statement that that ₱500-would be suffice to buy a piece of ham, prepare macaroni salad, and cook spaghetti which as usual dishes on the Filipino table during Christmas Eve.
“This was not the first time that the Department of Trade and Industry insisted that ₱500 is sufficient for the Noche Buena of an ordinary family. They have said this before; the only difference now is that it is DTI Secretary Cristina Roque herself who is saying that this amount is enough,” Ridon noted.
“But we know what a real Noche Buena looks like on the Filipino family’s table: there’s spaghetti, there’s cheese, and sometimes there’s ham, if there are enough savings for the Christmas celebration,” he added.
Ridon pointed out that P500 could no longer buy a spaghetti and cheese combo grocery item, especially if there is more than one person in the family who will eat them.
“Moreover, no one is saying that the budget for Noche Buena must be forced into ₱500. What matters more to Filipinos is the assurance that the government will keep the prices of ingredients and essentials low and affordable for the Christmas celebration.
According to Roque, a simple spread for a family of four can include a Christmas ham (P170), spaghetti noodles and sauce (P78.50), macaroni salad (P152), fruit salad (P98.25), and ten pieces of Pinoy pandesal (P27.75), totaling P526.95.
Families can simplify by serving only one salad, which brings the total to P428.70, leaving room to add items such as luncheon meat (P41), corned beef (P34), or hotdogs without exceeding P500.
“P500 covers a complete Noche Buena for a typical family. These prices are from our Noche Buena price guide and reflect what is available in stores. Consumers can mix and match based on their budget,” Roque said.
She emphasized that basic necessities and prime commodities, such as instant noodles, luncheon meat, and corned beef remained under strict price control until January 2026.
The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) said it respects the intent of the government to encourage practical and meaningful celebrations this Christmas.
“We also recognize that many families continue to feel the impact of higher food, transport, and electricity costs. The true spirit of Christmas lies in family, simplicity, and shared hope, while efforts to ease everyday pressures remain essential,” said PCCI president Enunina Mangio.
Mangio added that the business community can support families sustainably by helping stabilize prices, reduce the cost of living, and strengthen enterprises’ capacity to create jobs and provide better income opportunities.
“Ultimately, ensuring that Filipino families can celebrate Christmas with dignity requires sustainable solutions to inflation and cost-of-living challenges,” she said.
