DTI Secretary Maria Aldeguer-Roque. ARCHIVE

Philippine Department of Trade (DTI) Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque is facing a political and public backlash after insisting that a Filipino family can prepare a noche buena meal for just P500 (Dh31), a claim lawmakers described as “insulting,” “out of touch,” and “detached from reality” amid rising food prices and stagnant wages. “What planet is she on?” several House members asked on Friday as they denounced the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)’s estimate and urged the agency to focus instead on lowering holiday food prices. Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno called the estimate an “insult” to Filipino workers “forced to tighten their belts” while corrupt officials “revel in the people’s stolen taxes.” Bicol Saro Representative Terry Ridon said even a basic Christmas meal is already beyond the P500 mark. “Even with a simple spread of only spaghetti and cheese, P500 will already not be enough,” he said. ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio called the claim “a slap on the face” of millions of Filipinos struggling to make ends meet. “What kind of Christmas would that even be? A few noodles, eggs, water?” he said. Akbayan Representative. Perci Cendaña said the government should instead prioritize passing the pending P200 wage hike, while Gabriela Representative Sarah Elago urged the scrapping of VAT on basic goods for immediate relief. Kamanggagawa Representative Eli San Fernando said the statement minimizes the hardships of families battling high prices and low wages “while the government is reeling from a massive corruption scandal,” adding that remarks like these “only erode public trust.”

Aldeguer-Roque doubles down

Despite the criticisms, Aldeguer-Roque stood firm during a Friday press conference. “It’s really possible for a family of four,” she said, emphasizing that her estimate was based on the DTI Noche Buena Price Guide released in November. She cited three sample bundles that, according to DTI computations, fall under or near the P500 budget. One of the bundles she presented amounts to P374.50, composed of: • Christmas ham (P170 for 500g) • Spaghetti sauce (P48.50) • Spaghetti noodles (P30 for 250g) • Fruit cocktail (P61.75 for 432g) • All-purpose cream (P36.50 for 110 ml) • Pan de sal (P27.75 for 10 pieces) A second bundle, priced at P428.70, includes ham, spaghetti, macaroni salad and pan de sal. Serving both macaroni and fruit salad increases the total to P526.95. Aldeguer-Roque said prices could be even lower if items are bought in bundles or during promotions. DTI said 95 holiday food items increased in price this year, six became cheaper, and 129 remained unchanged out of 256 monitored products. Prices of noche buena items—unlike basic necessities—are not regulated by DTI under the Price Act.

Netizens push back: ‘Which planet is that?’

An Expat Media video interview of Aldeguer-Roque during her visit to Dubai in 2023 resurfaced, with netizens criticizing her amid amid the issue. “A P500 noche buena? Truly hilarious. It’s like you’re living in an alternate universe…” said netizen Vincent Evora, who added that the budget “can barely buy essentials.” Another commenter, Marie Rose, said her recent grocery run cost far more. “Yesterday, I made half a kilo of spaghetti for four people and I spent P650.” On Saturday (November 29), Cebu-based vlogger Rowell Divina documented his attempt to recreate DTI’s suggested macaroni and fruit salad using the agency’s price guide. Although the listed prices were accurate, he questioned whether DTI understood how Filipino families prepare these dishes. Switching to Cebuano at the end of his video, he joked that the DTI-version of the salads were barely edible. “It’s better to just sleep off Christmas Eve dinner instead of waking up for this!” Divisa said in Cebuano. PIA/CAM/Expat Media
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