VICE PRESIDENT Sara Duterte disputed the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) suggested P500 budget for a family’s Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) dinner.
Speaking to the media in The Hague on Tuesday, the vice president estimated that even minimal holiday meal preparations already cost significantly more.
“That’s not true, Ma’am. It’s not true that the Noche Buena can be bought with ₱500,” Vice President Duterte said in response to a reporter’s question. “Rice alone is ₱500.”
She continued by offering her personal experience with Christmas shopping. “In fact, what I usually buy for our Christmas—just for spaghetti and a salad pack—already costs ₱2,100,” she stated.
The statement puts vice president Duterte at odds with DTI advisories, which typically issue suggested prices for Noche Buena essentials like ham, pasta, and ingredients for holiday salads, often attempting to guide consumers on low-cost meal options.
Update on FPRRD
When asked about the condition of former President Rodrigo Duterte, following a recent court decision or “rejection,” the vice president said she had not yet discussed the matter with her father.
“I haven’t taken up that rejection with him yet,” she told reporters.
She did confirm that her father is being attended to by his medical personnel and lawyers.
