DTI summons more supermarkets on Noche Buena products pricing

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has issued show cause orders to four supermarkets in Metro Manila found to be selling Noche Buena items above the suggested retail prices (SRP).

In a statement yesterday, the DTI said that based on their price monitoring of 10 supermarkets in Metro Manila held on Wednesday, the following were found to be selling Noche Buena products at prices higher than the SRP: Ever Gotesco Supermarket, Ortigas Extension; Landmark Supermarket, Makati City; Rustan’s Supermarket in Shangri-La, Mandaluyong City; and Super 8, Shaw Boulevard, Mandaluyong City.

“These supermarkets were found selling Noche Buena products from P50 centavos to P21.25 higher than the SRP,” DTI-Consumer Welfare and Business Regulation Group officer-in-charge Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba said.

Meanwhile, the following supermarkets were found to be compliant to the SRP for Noche Buena items: Liana’s Supermarket in Pasay City; Rustan’s Supermarket, SM Supermarket, and SM Hypermarket in Makati City; Robinson’s Galleria Supermarket in Ortigas City; and Welcome Supermarket Metro Point, Pasay City.

“We commend these supermarkets for conforming to the SRPs of Noche Buena products...We call on other establishments to follow their lead to ensure that prices of Noche Buena products are reasonable this Christmas season,” Dimagiba said.

The DTI had earlier issued show cause order to nine supermarkets for selling Noche Buena products above the SRP.

“The DTI enjoins all retailers to stop selling overpriced Noche Buena products and comply with the SRP,” Dimagiba said.

He said the DTI is also calling on consumers to report any store found to be selling items above the SRP.

To report retailers that sell above the SRP, consumers can visit the nearest DTI Office or call DTI Direct at 751.3330 or 0917. 8343330.