Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia — Malacañang assured the public Monday that there will be no increase in the prices of basic and prime commodities before and during the Christmas season, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to maintain price stability for the public.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President instructed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to strictly monitor the implementation of the suggested retail price (SRP), particularly for imported rice and essential food items.
“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.
Castro added that DTI Secretary Maria Christina Aldeguer Roque has confirmed the cooperation of all stakeholders to keep market prices steady.
“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 festive period.
In his pre-departure statement on Saturday, Mr. 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.
