Photo credit: DTI

Good news for Filipino consumers this Christmas — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered a price freeze on basic and prime commodities until the end of the year.

The directive, announced by Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro, aims to keep prices stable and protect families from sudden price hikes during the holiday rush.

“As ordered by President Marcos Jr., there will be no movement in prices of essential goods before the holiday season,” Castro said during an interview on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Strict Monitoring Ordered

Castro shared that before flying to Malaysia, the President instructed the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to closely monitor the market and make sure retailers stick to the suggested retail prices (SRP) — especially for imported rice and other staple food items.

The President also directed the DTI to coordinate with manufacturers and prevent any unwarranted price hikes that could burden consumers.

DTI, Manufacturers Join Hands

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Aldeguer-Roque assured the public that manufacturers and distributors are fully cooperating with the government to maintain stable prices throughout the holiday season.

“All industry stakeholders are working hand in hand with the government to make sure prices stay fair and reasonable,” Castro said.

A Holiday Relief for Filipino Families

The Palace emphasized that this move is part of the administration’s effort to ease the financial strain on Filipino households amid high living costs.

For now, shoppers can breathe a little easier knowing that rice, canned goods, coffee, milk, soap, and other household staples will remain at their current prices through New Year’s Eve.

As Christmas approaches, the government hopes this price freeze will help every Filipino family enjoy the season — without worrying too much about the rising cost of essentials.