Palace stands by DTI's P500 Noche Buena budget

Malacafang yesterday stood by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s claim that P500 is enough for a Noche Buena meal, a claim that has drawn flak for supposedly being unrealistic and insulting to workers who are facing financial struggles.

- By ALEXIS ROMERO and EVELYN MACAIRAN

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the issue is not about whether the amount could pull off a festive Christmas meal.

“What is being discussed with regard to the P500 is whether it is doable. Even experts like Steve Cua of the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association Inc. agreed with the DTI,” the Palace press officer said at a press briefing.

“The discussion here is about whether it is doable. That is the issue of the DTI at that time because DTI (officials) announced that they have asked the manufacturers of basic needs, basic commodities, not to raise prices until the end of December... I hope they won’t miss the essence of what the DTI was saying,” she added.

The trade department has clarified that P500 is sufficient for the basic Noche Buena meal of a family of four based on its price guide, noting that not everyone wants to celebrate Christmas lavishly.