SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian yesterday urged the Department of Trade and Industry to strictly monitor bread prices to prevent unscrupulous traders and retailers from taking advantage of consumers since bread has become an alternative to costly rice.
In a statement, Gatchalian said the DTI should ensure pricing transparency, adding any price increase should be justifiable and reasonable.
He said the DTI should also explore measures to stabilize production costs, such as securing reliable chains for wheat and other essential ingredients and providing support for bakers to enhance production efficiency.
“The government should be earnest in taking steps to ensure that bread and other essential commodities remain affordable and easily accessible to ordinary Filipino consumers,” he said.
Gatchalian made the pitch after the DTI said the suggested retail price of 62 basic goods, including bread, will soon increase from 2 to 9 percent.
The cost of Pinoy Tasty will rise from P40.50 to P44, while Pinoy Pandesal will cost P27.25 from the present P25 for a 10-piece pack.
The DTI said that only 62 items out of the 217 basic and prime commodities were allowed to increase prices.
