- DTI XI continues monitoring price of goods
THE DEPARTMENT of Trade and Industry XI reported on Monday that prices of basic goods and prime commodities in the region remain “generally stable” amid the rising global fuel prices triggered by the Middle East conflict.
Romeo Vasquez Jr., DTI Consumer Protection Division chief, said the goods they monitored on shelves and markets are still within the suggested retail price (SRP).
“Based on the last three weeks’ monitoring of the prices and supply of the basic necessities and prime commodities, we do not see any significant effect on the price of fuel on the basic commodities,” Vasquez said during the Kapihan sa Dabaw on Monday.
Based on the latest monitoring, while some exceeded the SRP, the price variance is just below P1 per product, attributed to logistics and delivery being affected by rising fuel prices.
Citing, for example, a brand of sardines (155g) whose SRP is P20.5 but was priced at P20.85; and a brand of beef loaf (150g) which has a P21.75 SRP but was sold at P22.20.
Vasquez said establishments that sold products exceeding 10% of the SRP were asked to explain within 48 hours and justify the increase.
“We issue a letter of inquiry to them to explain the increase, but the major factor is the logistics affected by the high price of fuel,” Vasquez said.
If the response is unsatisfactory, the agency would issue a notice of violation and impose penalties on the retail establishments, including an administrative fine of P5,000 to P2 million, or worse, cancel the business permit.
Vasquez also mentioned the price rollback of some canned goods brands and bottled water, according to the recent monitoring last March 16-21.
“We in DTI, we continue to intensify our monitoring activities, we monitor weekly through our provincial teams,” Vasquez said.
To note, a total of 21 manufacturers, including canned sardines, bread, bottled water, instant noodles, coffee, canned meat, toilet soap, and candles, have committed to holding the prices for the next 30 days.
The agency reported some manufacturers committed to doing so for up to 60 days, during a meeting with the Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque on March 16, 2026.
Prices are expected to remain stable, with no increase anticipated for canned sardines such as Unipak, 555, Ligo, Lucky 7, Fresca, Morjon, Golden Town, and Mega; bread products such as Pinoy Tasty and Pinoy Pandesal; bottled water such as Wilkins and Nature’s Spring; toilet and laundry soaps such as Safeguard Pure White, Tide Bar Original Scent, and Green Cross Pure White; condiments such as Datu Puti’s soy sauce and vinegar, and Lorins’ Patis: processed canned meat of CDO; and candles from Liwanag, within the next 30 days.
Meanwhile, the prices of brands such as Lucky Me, Ho-Mi, Argentina, Lucky 7, 555, Swift Premium, Wow! and Shanghai will remain at their prices for 60 days, while manufacturers of brands such as Kopiko, Nescafé, San Mig coffee 3-in-1, and Export candle have pledged to maintain current prices with no price increase at present.
