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!
Email me at [email protected]
- Latest
- Trending