4 supermarkets naughty, 6 nice, DTI price watch shows

MANILA, Philippines – Four major supermarkets in the cities of Pasig, Mandaluyong and Makati were found selling Noche Buena items at prices higher than the suggested retail price (SRP) issued by the Department of Trade and Industry.

In a statement, the DTI identified them as Ever Gotesco Supermarket on Ortigas Extension; Landmark Supermarket in Makati; Rustan’s Supermarket at Shangri-La mall and Super 8 on Shaw Boulevard, both in Mandaluyong.

Victorio Mario Dimagiba, officer in charge of the DTI’s consumer welfare and business regulation group, said these supermarkets were found selling food products at prices higher by 50 centavos to P21.25 compared to the SRP.

“We already issued show cause orders (SCOs) to these supermarkets to explain the high prices of their products,” Dimagiba said.

The products which were sold higher than the SRPs included ham, fruit cocktail, cheese, sandwich spread, mayonnaise, pasta (spaghetti, elbow and salad macaroni), spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce and cream.

On the other hand, Dimagiba lauded six supermarkets in Metro Manila for selling Noche Buena products within the SRP.

The compliant supermarkets were identified as Liana’s Supermarket in Pasay City; Rustan’s Supermarket in Makati; SM Supermarket and SM Hypermarket, both in Makati; Robinson’s Galleria Supermarket in Ortigas; and Welcome Supermarket Metro Point in Pasay.

“We commend these supermarkets for conforming with the SRPs of Noche Buena products. This shows that intensified monitoring of prices works for the benefit of everybody—business and consumers. We call on other establishments to follow their lead to ensure that prices of Noche Buena products are reasonable this Christmas season,” Dimagiba said.

As it intensified price monitoring over the past two weeks, the DTI issued SCOs to a total of nine supermarkets.

“For the consumers, we urge you to get involved by reporting to us those stores that sell above the SRP,” Dimagiba said.

Consumers were also advised to check whether the price tag or shelf price of a product corresponded with the price at the cashier, and to carefully check and compare the prices and weights of competing brands.

A complete SRP list for Noche Buena products can be seen on the DTI website. Amy R. Remo