Malacañang defended DTI Secretary Cristina Roque’s claim that ₱500 is enough for a family of four’s noche buena, saying critics missed the point of the suggested budget meal plan.
In a press briefing, PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro explained that the ₱500 figure was meant to show that preparing a Christmas meal under that budget is possible, not to limit families.
“Ang pinag-uusapan lamang po sa ₱500 ay kung kaya. Maski na po ang isang eksperto katulad po ni Steve Cua ng Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association Inc. ay nagsabi rin po at umayon sa DTI,” Castro said.
“Ang pinag-uusapan po dito ay kung kaya. Iba po ang usapin na dapat mas marangya, mas festive kapag pinag-uusapan natin ang handaan Pamasko,” she added.
Castro emphasized that the DTI worked with manufacturers to keep prices of basic goods from rising through December, highlighting affordability for essential noche buena ingredients.
“Sana ay hindi po nila ma-miss iyong pinaka-essence kung bakit sinasabi po ng DTI na kakayanin ang 500 dahil po napakiusapan po nila na huwag magtaas ng presyo para sa mga basic commodities – iyon lamang po iyon,” she said.
The Palace also cited broader initiatives to ease the cost of living, including Kadiwa centers, ₱20-per-kilo rice programs, and “Walang Gutom” food vouchers.
“Alam natin hindi lamang sa halaga ng ₱500 nagwawakas ang gusto ng Pangulo para maiangat ang buhay ng Pilipino,” Castro added.