4 Metro Manila cities post 92% SRP compliance rate – DTI

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) reported a 92 percent suggested retail price (SRP) compliance rate in four cities in the National Capital Region after conducting inspections recently.

In a statement yesterday, the DTI said its Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) launched “Sweeptember” inspections in Metro Manila to ensure stable prices and supply of basic necessities and prime commodities.

FTEB officer-in-charge Director Marimel Dancel Porciuncula and FTEB OIC Assistant Director Joseph Manuel Pamittan led the DTI teams in inspecting retail firms in Pasig, Parañaque, Malabon and Quezon City.

The DTI said out of the 76 retail firms inspected, 70 are compliant with the SRP bulletin released last August.

Six retail firms were issued a Letter of Inquiry for selling items priced higher than the SRP.

The stores were required to submit a written explanation within 72 hours from the receipt of the letter.

Four out of six firms have submitted their written explanation, according to the DTI.

The DTI also issued show-cause orders on 51 retail firms for selling goods more than 10 percent higher than the SRP or with inconsistent price tags.

Consumer Protection Group Undersecretary Ruth Castelo urged sellers and manufacturers to adhere to the SRP bulletin, which gives consumers the freedom to choose products that they can afford.

The DTI regularly monitors the prices of basic goods such as canned sardines, processed milk, powdered milk, coffee, bread, instant noodles, salt, detergent soap, bottled water and candles.