By: Angelica Arquero
Some consumers and advocacy groups expressed frustration after the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced that a 500-peso budget could already cover a family’s Noche Buena meal.
Even Malacañang supported the idea, saying the amount would suffice.
Manuelita de Vera, who had already spent nearly 2,000 pesos on ingredients and still lacked several items for her 10-member family, reacted strongly.
De Vera said the government should focus on lowering prices instead.
Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno and youth organization Kabataan Partylist called the 500-peso budget for noche buena “insulting.”
Kabataan Partylist Cordillera spokesperson Gabriel Siscar questioned how families could afford a holiday meal with the suggested amount.
Last week, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro said the amount could work depending on food choices.
Her statement drew criticism from Davao 1st District Representative Paolo Duterte, who challenged administration officials to conduct a grocery challenge in local markets and prove it is possible.
In a later clarification, DTI Secretary Cristina Roque explained that the suggested 500-peso budget applies only to a simple Noche Buena meal for a four-person household, based on their price monitoring of Noche Buena products.
