STATEMENT OF SENATOR WIN GATCHALIAN ON THE PRICES OF BASIC GOODS AHEAD OF CHRISTMAS

Following a higher inflation rate in November, we expect inflation to pick up further in December as we head closer to Christmas. December is usually a consumption-driven month as Filipinos tend to shop for more goods in time for the holiday festivities. We also have to take into consideration the possible supply deficiency in the offing after Typhoon Tisoy destroyed agricultural crops. Prices of fish have also gone up.

Kaya naman tinatawagan natin ang Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture na bantayang mabuti ang presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin sa merkado ngayong buwan para maiwasan ang mga mananamantala at para mas maging masaya ang kapaskuhan ng mga mamimili.

In the latest Philippine Statistics Authority report, prices of widely used goods rose by 1.3% in November, which was slightly higher than the 0.8% October inflation rate but lower than the 6% inflation rate in the same month last year. The uptrend in inflation for November was mainly brought about by a higher annual increase in alcoholic beverages and tobacco.

The November inflation rate remains within the government expectation of 0.9% - 1.7% range.