About TRAIN

We got curious about TRAIN’s real impact and got some reactions.

The first time we read about TRAIN in print media, we thought it was about a mode of transport. We asked around and found out that it is about taxes. It is a law that promulgates Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion. Simply, to our non-legal mind it involves increased taxes (excise). Increased tax exemption is meant to improve the average Filipino’s life by adding to the take home pay for regular wage earners. That remains to be seen.

There is apprehension because of additional oil, fuel levies. This means only one thing –  higher cost of living, basically on prime commodities, which are all transported using fuel.

We got curious about TRAIN’s real impact and got some reactions. A professional, a knowledgable lady lawyer opined the government has not lived up to its intent to add to an average employee’s take home pay, considering the  new taxes will certainly elevate cost of prime commodities. However, she added the full impact of TRAIN will only be felt late this month. A homemaker who frequents burger joints said this particular group will be deprived of their simple joys – burgers, hotdogs and carbonated drinks because money in their pockets would inevitably  command less for them.

We then decided to conduct a mini survey in the various places we regularly visit for our food supplies – public markers, supermarkets. Unfortunately majority of the sellers are not aware of TRAIN. They agreed that prices skyrocketed  during the past holidays but added that while cost went down, they did not go to the levels of pre-holiday season.

Sta. Rosa Public Market  –  Clean  and most stalls are manned by employees of owners. Hardly anyone is aware of TRAIN. Much less we reckon they are not even tax payers.

Measurement used is per kilo:

Pork – kasim or pigue – from P220  to P240

Lapu-lapu – from P550 to P650

Talakitok – P450

Kangkong – from P10 to P15 a bunch

Tokwa – P8

Carrots – P100

Bell Pepper – P250

Potatoes – P100

Ginger – P140

Fresh geen sampaloc – P60

Talong – P120

Kalabasa – P80

Zapote Public Market – No TRAIN awareness. Our research confirmed that small town public markets tag their goods much lower.

Pork – kasim – from P160 to P190

Pork pecho – P200 to P240

Beef – from P280 to P300

Chicken – from P130 to P140

Galunggong – P140

Tilapia – P92

Garlic – Taiwan – P100

Carrots – P80

Cabbage – P80

Sayote – P40

South Supermarket Alabang – This has the reputation of offering the freshest of seafood, but pricey. Venus, who mans the seafood section, knows about TRAIN but volunteers the info that their prices have nothing yet to do with the new law.

She said during the cold season fish dive to the bottom of the sea to seek shelter. Also, trucking has upped their rates for sometime now.

Galunggong – P250

Lapu-lapu (pink) – P750 (black) –P650

Sapsap – P350

Alumahan – P230

Shrimps – from P620

Salmon head – P350

On the other hand, Felix, who takes care of the meat section, happily reports no increase in meat prices has  been reported.

As for canned goods, needless to say they are priced higher than before. What we do and suggest you do as well is look for promo packs which have discounted prices but check expiry of the items therein. This way you save a little bit. Each pack normally contains two cans. Most supermarkets have promo packs, even for vegetables.

All classes of rice went up by P10.

So far, that’s it. We wait for more developments. Let’s  budget wisely so we get our money’s worth.

Cheers!

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