Bicol Saro Partylist Representative Terry Ridon on Friday criticized the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for asserting that ₱500 is sufficient for a Filipino family’s noche buena, calling the claim unrealistic amid rising prices.
“Sa anong planeta kasya yung ₱500 para sa noche buena ng pamilyang Pilipino?” Ridon said, noting that this is not the first time the DTI has pushed the same estimate.
He added that the only difference now is that DTI Secretary Cristina Roque herself is insisting that the amount is “fine and sufficient.”
Roque earlier said ₱500 can purchase ham, macaroni salad, and spaghetti — a claim Ridon rejected.
“Pero alam natin ang itsura ng totoong noche buena sa hapag ng pamilyang Pilipino: may spaghetti, may keso, at minsan may hamon kung may sapat na ipon para sa pagdiriwang ng Pasko,” he said.
He emphasized that with current prices, even a simple spaghetti-and-cheese combination would exceed ₱500, especially for families with several members.
Ridon added that no one is demanding Filipino families limit their noche buena budget to the amount set by the DTI. What matters, he said, is ensuring that government keeps holiday food prices low and affordable.