Kamanggagawa Partylist Representative Eli San Fernando issued a strong reaction to the ₱500 Noche Buena estimate recommended by Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque.
In his latest Facebook post on Friday, November 28, San Fernando shared a video where he challenged the DTI chief to personally shop for Noche Buena items with the said amount.
“May isa na namang tanga na sumulpot sa gobyerno,” San Fernando began.
“Sabi ni DTI Secretary Cristina Roque e kasya na raw ang limandaang piso para sa noche buena.”
He continued, “Alam mo, Secretary Roque, sa halip na aminin mo na lang ‘yong katangahan mo at mag-sorry, maging accountable sa mga mamamayang Pilipino na nagpapasahod sa ‘yo, mas pinagdiinan mo pa ‘yong katangahan mo kaysa aminin na may mali talaga sa sinabi ng DTI.”
The lawmaker then issued his challenge: “Ngayon, Secretary Roque, kung naniniwala ka at ipinaglalaban na kasya talaga ‘yang limandaang piso para sa noche buena e mag-₱500 Noche Buena challenge tayo. Kayo na ang mamili ng palengke at lugar, sasamahan ko pa kayo!”
It will be recalled that Roque stood by her statement that ₱500 is enough to buy basic Noche Buena items during an interview on Thursday, November 27.