Ms. Ronadale Zapata
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Traders warned that government to monitor prices closely
VP NOLI CHECKS INITIAL EVAT EFFECT ON MARKET PRICES
02 November 2005



PRICES of basic goods and commodities remained stable as the government led by Vice President Noli ‘Kabayan’ De Castro resumed monitoring prices with a surprise visit at the Kamuning market in Quezon City yesterday.


Except for vegetables, the prices of basic commodities like pork, beef, chicken, fish and even canned goods did not increase, according to De Castro.


Although, De Castro added that the increase in the prices of vegetables was only minimal. He attributed the price increase to shortage of vegetable supply.


De Castro, who was accompanied by Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila and Agriculture undersecretary Doy Salacup, was particularly happy on the stable prices of canned goods.

VP NOLI AT KAMUNING MARKET.  Vice President Noli “Kabayan” De Castro checks the initial Expanded-VAT effect on market prices.  De Castro, in his surprise market visit at the Kamuning market in Quezon City, yesterday, advised the consumers to be aware of the current prices of basic goods and commodities and avoid patronizing stores that are known to be overpricing products.   Together with the Vice President were Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila (left), DTI Usec. Zenaida Maglaya (second from right) and Dept. of Agriculture Usec. Doy Salicup ( not in photo). (OVP PHOTO by Egay Montana) 11/02/05

“Ako ay lubos na natutuwa sa presyo ng ating mga de lata dahil hindi tumaas ang mga ito kahit na sila ay covered ng EVAT,” he said.


De Castro said the least the government can do is to prevent unscrupulous traders from imposing too much increase in prices by conducting more surprise market visits.


“At least, dahil sa ginagawa naming ito ay nabubulabog namin ang mga sinuman na nagtatangkang mang-abuso sa presyo ng mga bilihin,” he said.


With the imminent price increases, De Castro said, the least businessmen can do to help consumers is to ensure the quality of their products.


“Tataas at tataas ang presyo ng mga bilihin at ang tanging maitutulong ng ating mga negosyante ay mapanatili na lamang ang kalidad ng kanilang mga produkto para sa ating mga mamimili,” he added.


Further, he advised the buying public to be aware of the current prices of basic goods and commodities and avoid patronizing stores that are known to be overpricing products.


‘Tinatawagan ko rin ng pansin ang mga market administrators na kanilang pangalagaan ang kanilang mga palengke ng sa gayun ay mabigyan proteksyon ang mga mamimili,’ he said.


De Castro said the market visit was part of the government’s effort to curb unnecessary price increases that might result due to the implementation of the Expanded VAT the other day.


“The reason why we’re doing this is that we want to know if there are people who are taking advantage of the EVAT implementation. ” De Castro said.


The Vice-President was delighted to learn that aside from the stable prices, the Kamuning market vendors were also following the price tag as shown by the price lists found in their stalls. He also lauded the vendors for using correct weighing scales.