IN response to public concerns about the effect on prices of basic commodities of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law, and in compliance with a directive from Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez, the regional office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Central Luzon has intensified its monitoring of the prices and supply of basic goods and prime commodities in major stores and supermarkets in Central Luzon.
Warren T. Serrano, the information officer of the DTI in Region 3, said that based on its latest monitoring report dated January 25, 2018, the prices of monitored basic goods and prime commodities had little movement and still within the Suggested Retail Prices issued by the DTI on January 1, 2018.
In Bulacan stores, Serrano said, the monitored prevailing prices of canned sardines (150 g) ranged from P13.15 to 14.83, while the price range for powdered-filled milk (150 g) is from P43.50 to P72.25. The prices of Instant noodles in regular packs still ranged from P6.25 to 7.30, while detergent bars (400 g) ranged from P18.30 to 19.50.
In Zambales the monitored prices of bread products are still stable with Pinoy Tasty (400 g) at P35. Pinoy Pandesal (10-pc. pack) remained at P 21.50. A small pack of swalt (250 g) still remained within the range of P5.75 to 6.80. The prices of condiments like vinegar (300 ml) ranged from P9.70 to 13.50 while soy sauce (300 ml) ranged from P13.25 to P15. The monitored price of toilet soap (135 g) was also recorded at P26.75 to 37.50.
For construction materials, prevailing prices were monitored to be stable in the region. In Nueva Ecija, the price of a 25-kilogram bag of cement ranged from P190 to P202, depending on the brand. A slight increase of P 3 to P4 of the prevailing price was monitored in some hardware stores. Deformed steel bars were priced at P186 per kilo while finishing nails were monitored at P65 per kilo. Steel wire (alambre) was also monitored to cost P57 per kilo.
After the initial implementation of the TRAIN law starting January 1, 2018, DTI-3 regularly conducted price monitoring of basic goods and prime commodities under its mandate. These products include canned sardines, evaporated milk, school supplies, cement and construction materials, detergent, bread, candle, bottled water and instant noodles.
The TRAIN law intends to lower personal-income tax, simplify estate donor’s tax, expand the valued-added tax base, increase the excise tax of petroleum products, automobiles and sugar-sweetened beverages. The DTI further clarified that all milk products, 100-percent natural fruit and vegetable juices, meal replacement and medically indicated beverages as well as instant coffee are exempted from the excise tax on sugar.