Gov’t on Christmas price watch

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang has assured consumers that the government will watch the prices of basic goods to prevent unscrupulous traders from raising them during the Christmas season.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has been sending daily reports on its action to protect consumer interest, and has been sharing the information with the public.

“The consumer protection group under DTI has been very active in their monitoring teams,” she said.

The DTI has released suggested retail prices for consumer goods while some quarters have expressed concern on how the government can watch prices, especially now that the holidays are fast approaching.

The DTI’s “Diskwento Caravan” has also been making the rounds to give consumers options on where to buy cheaper basic commodities.

Meanwhile, Valte said the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will coordinate with the police regarding security of employees following a proposal for a new opening and closing schedule for shopping malls.

“I’m quite sure that MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino has already coordinated with the Philippine National Police regarding the new opening and closing hours of shopping malls and that security arrangements will be made accordingly,” she said.

Mall operators have agreed to extend their operating hours to help ease traffic congestion anticipated this coming Christmas season.

Almost all shopping mall operators along EDSA agreed to an “open late, close late” policy, meaning their operating hours will be from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Tolentino said.