Regular SRP issuance hobbled by ‘fluctuating factors’–DTI

By Andrea San Juan

In a radio show last Saturday, DTIConsumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Ruth B. Castelo said the factors vary “like the climate.”

“Hindi po natin pwedeng gawin because the factors are fluctuating.

Nag-iiba iba siya ‘e katulad ng klima, ‘yung seasons natin uulan, aaraw, during summer umuulan, so affected ‘yan,” Castelo said.

[We can’t do it because the factors are fluctuating. It varies like the climate: our seasons are rainy, sunny; but during summer, it rains. So that is affected.]

The Trade undersecretary also noted the varying prices of fuel across the globe as among the culprits.

“It’s an unforeseeable event na hindi mo talaga siya kaya i -predict unless may bolang kristal ka kagaya ni Madam Auring, ‘e wala naman tayo noon so hindi talaga natin mape -predict.”

[It’s an unforeseeable event that you can’t really predict unless you have a crystal ball like the seer, Madam Auring. We didn’t have it then; so, we can’t really predict it.]

Manpower, Castelo noted, is another factor that prevents the agency to regularly publish its price bulletin.

“Kailangan ‘yan ng sweldo, kapasidad ng personnel, o ‘yung dami ng personnel mo nag-iiba rin, nagbabago-bago. Kaya maraming dahilan kung bakit hindi tayo pwede maglagay ng regular schedule for adjustments.”

[That needs salary, personnel capacity, or the amount of personnel you have varies. There are many reasons why we cannot put a regular schedule for adjustments.]

In an earlier statement issued by DTI, the agency said Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual is taking into consideration the preservation of jobs in the country amid manufacturers’ call for price hikes.

“We understand the need for prices to be calibrated towards market realities, taking into account both consumers and the value chain impacted, so jobs are preserved,” Pascual said. “Suppose these companies would only be able to cover the cost of production with price adjustments. In that case, operations would be affected, some products might be discontinued and, worst, workers could lose their jobs if failing companies decide to close down.”

“Kailangan balanse rin ang polisiya