WITH  a suggested retail price for Christmas noche buena prices being set, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said they are no longer looking at any other increases in the prices of basic products until the end of the year.

This is despite the numerous pending requests from the manufacturing sector.

According to DTI Assistant Secretary for Consumer Protection Group Amanda Nograles, some 18 manufacturers want to increase the prices for 63 products or stock-keeping units. 

Among them include brands of canned sardines, canned meat, coffee, processed milk, bread, instant noodles, bottled water, condiments, toilet soaps and batteries.

However, Nograles said that the manufacturers have already agreed to hold off on raising prices until the end of the year.

“With the personal appeal made by Secretary (Alfredo) Pascual, the manufacturers have agreed not to raise their prices until December, so maaasahan natin yung commitment na yun. (Yung) isa pa nga po ay nag-withdraw ng standing request nila for the price adjustment,” she said.

The DTI will look for ways to help manufacturers bring down their production and operating costs.

“For example, the DTI has supported the passage of Executive Order 41 or the suspension of the collection of the pass-through fees. Yan, malaking tulong yan sa mga manufacturers natin na makababa ng operating cost nila,” she noted.