DTI cracks down on Noche Buena SRP violators

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has apprehended six supermarkets in Metro Manila found to be selling Noche Buena items above the the suggested retail price (SRP).

In a statement, DTI-Consumer Welfare and Business Regulation Group Officer in Charge Victorio Mario A. Dimagiba said the six supermarkets issued notices of violation are Metro Supermarket in  Taguig City, Walter Mart Supermarket located along E. Rodriguez Ave. in Quezon City, Mightee Mart in Sta Cruz, Manila, as well as  Shopwise, Cash and Carry and Puregold which are all located in Makati City.

“These establishments were found selling their Noche Buena items P1.20 to P6.65 higher than our SRP. We issued them Show Cause Orders (SCO) to explain such increase on their products,” Dimagiba said.

The items which were being sold higher than the SRP include mayonnaise, elbow and salad macaroni, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and sandwich spread.

Last week, the DTI found three establishments in Quezon City selling Noche Buena products higher than the SRP by two to three percent.

“We are urging the retailers to comply with the SRP and avoid overpricing their Noche Buena items. Please always check the SRP list of our products,” Dimagiba said.

He also encouraged consumers to report establishments that sell goods at prices above the SRP.

“Make sure that the item or shelf price is the same with the price at cashier and carefully check and compare the weights of competing brands,” Dimagiba added.

In a related development,  the DTI said it has also issued notices of violation to three stores in Metro Manila for selling substandard Christmas lights.

Dimagiba said the notices were issued to two establishments in Baclaran Market in Parañaque for selling about 2,326 sets of Christmas lights with no Import Commodity Clearance (ICC), and to a store in Makati Cinema Square for its 61 sets of substandard Christmas lights.

Last week, the DTI issued notices of violation to six establishments in Metro Manila for selling substandard Christmas lights.

The brands of confiscated Christmas lights include Ako/Mabuhay Star, Seven Star, Twinkle Light, Holiday Season, North Star, Crown Led Light, Lucky Bright, and Star.

Consumers who want to see the list of SRP for Noche Buena items  and the list of authorized importers, sellers, and brands of Christmas lights can visit the DTI website at www.dti.gov.ph.

For inquiries and complaints, consumers may visit the nearest DTI Provincial and Regional Office in their area, or call DTI Direct at (02) 7513330 or 09178343330.