DTI

Sen. Bam to unemployed Filipinos: Negosyo Centers can help you

Sen. Bam Aquino urged unemployed Filipinos to visit the closest Negosyo Center so they can get help in starting a business.

“Habang wala kayong nahahanap na trabaho, bakit di muna subukang magnegosyo. Hindi dapat matakot dahil naririyan ang mahigit 500 Negosyo Centers sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng bansa para kayo’y tulungan,” said Sen. Bam.

According to Sen. Bam, the Negosyo Centers have served around 800,000 Filipinos, from retired overseas Filipino workers (OFWS) to plain housewives, giving them the means to supplement their household income through business.

“Sa ngayon, marami nang mga Pilipino ang kumikita sa simpleng negosyo dahil sa tulong ng Negosyo Center,” said Sen. Bam, who has met with some of these successful entrepreneurs during his Negosyo Center visits.

Sen. Bam was the principal author and sponsor of the Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act during his term as chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship. It was the first of 17 laws passed by Sen. Bam in the 16th Congress.

The Go Negosyo Act mandates the establishment of Negosyo Centers in all municipalities, cities and provinces that will assist micro, small and medium enterprises in the country.

The Negosyo Center will provide access to markets and financing for businesses, training programs, and a simplified business registration process, thus helping ease of doing business and fast-track government processes in putting up a business.

Sen. Bam’s opening statement at the ASEAN Prosperity for All Summit

Good morning to everyone. Magandang umaga.

 Most of ​the laws we have passed are in support of  MSMEs and I think the favorite of Joey and Sec. Mon and a lot of the people here is of course the Go Negosyo Act of 2014 that was passed to create infrastructure to help our MSMEs, to help them grow and develop with a program that really is directed for that goal.

 A lot of people here I’ve met before becoming a senator. A lot of them know that my work in microfinance and social enterprise has led me to develop some of these policies.

And what you’ve seen is that most of our MSMEs will need what we call the 3 Ms – money, mentorship and market. We need the 3 Ms to create that enabling environment for them to be able to succeed and to be able to grow.

 Former President Arroyo talked about the first M which was money and definitely a lot of our MSMEs need that. We have a number of people here who own banks and who are part of banks, the medium and the large, I think these days are enjoying ​low​ interest rates.

 It’s your micro and small that need better interest rates, definitely opening up other forms of collateral or non-collateralized loans for them, or even a guarantee program which we have been talking about for years, is something that can truly help bridge that financing gap.

That’s the first M. The second M, of course, is mentorship and a lot of work is being put now in DTI and the ASEAN in terms of mentorship. In fact, the AMEN network is really to put together mentors not only from ​your own country but to be able to access that from our countries in the region is also equally important.

But the third M is the most crucial which is market. A lot of our MSMEs, a lot of our ​m​​icro​ and ​s​​mall do have good products, they do have a lot of potential but they aren’t able to access markets. This is something where when we talk about entering the global scene, are we ready, its all about accessing markets.

Initially, or maybe one way to be able to do it, and DTI does a lot of this, is through trade fairs and through bringing you closer to retailers, which I think we’re doing a lot these days. The other one is digital which is to skip the traditional structures and go straight to the homes of consumers. But I think one aspect which we really need to focus on is really to open up inclusive supply chain, which is what ​the KAPATID program is really focusing on.

 The classic example of this, of course, is Jollibee where they opened up their produce to local farmers. And that’s a 10-year program already, which a lot of the companies here I think can get into. These days, our ability to help our intention to provide prosperity for all has shifted already from dole​outs and CSR budgets to truly one where the challenge is opening up our businesses to smaller businesses, to micro businesses and it’s not the easiest thing to do as this has been documented already. But it’s what we need to do.

If we can do that within our country and eventually across the ASEAN, where your larger companies are able to get supply from smaller companies or even micro businesses supplying to small and medium, not just within the province or within the region but across the ASEAN. I think we’re really creating an infrastructure where prosperity can be spread for all.

 Government and non-government organizations can come in in terms of the readiness of your micro and small enterprises because not everyone is ready. In fact, I would say the majority will probably not be ready. So there’s readiness that we need to do both on the side of the large companies, which probably their foundations can do or groups like the Go Negosyo and the KAPATID program can do.

 But there’s also need, maybe this is where local government and the Department of Trade and Industry, through the Negosyo Centers, can come in, support our micro and small enterprises. Get them to a place where they can supply at a quality, frequency and rate that’s acceptable to the larger businesses with their larger supply chains.

If these 3 Ms are present – capacity to get financing, the mentorship, which can be done either through government education institutions and partners, and the access to market, which can be done digitally, which can be done by bringing your products to retailers, and most importantly I think is opening up supply chains, then I think your enabling environment can truly be enabling and we can find success and growth that we want to see in this sector.

Bam lauds public, private sector for success of Negosyo Centers

Senator Bam Aquino credited the success of Negosyo Centers to the continued cooperation between the legislative and executive branches of government as well as the private sector.

 “Maayos po iyong batas, nakapondo po ito. Ngayon po ipinasa na sa executive. In fairness to our DTI family, buong-buo ang kanilang pagtanggap sa Negosyo Center. They’ve made the Negosyo Center one of their priorities,” said Sen. Bam during the launching of the 400th Negosyo Center in Marikina City.

 Sen. Bam is the principal author and sponsor of the Republic Act No. 10644 or the Go Negosyo Act in the Senate.

Through the Negosyo Center, Sen. Bam said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) now has a frontline service organization that will cater to the needs of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs.

“May 400 na sentro na pong pupuntahan ang ating mga maliliit na negosyante para makahingi ng tulong, kahit saan pa sila bansa,” Sen. Bam pointed out. 

Sen. Bam also lauded the private sector and non-government organizations for its participation in the success of the Negosyo Centers.

“In many areas, the Negosyo Center has become a focal point for support, even NGOs, microfinance groups, basta may kinalaman sa pagtulong sa maliliit na negosyante, ito na ang kanilang bahay,” the senator pointed out.

 The Go Negosyo Act, the first law passed by Sen. Bam in the 16th Congress, mandates the establishment of Negosyo Centers in all municipalities, cities and provinces that will assist micro, small and medium enterprises in the country.

 The Negosyo Center will provide access to bigger markets and financing for businesses, training programs, and a simplified business registration process, thus helping ease of doing business and fast-track government processes in putting up a business.

Sen. Bam continues to work closely with the DTI to ensure the effective implementation of the law.

According to the DTI, the number of Negosyo Centers will increase to 420 by the end of 2016.

Bam: Consumer Act amendments to give DTI more teeth, cover ICT

In a move to give the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) more teeth against erring businesses and enhance consumer protection, Sen. Bam Aquino has filed a measure amending the 24-year-old Consumer Act of the Philippines.
 
“In order to build stronger commercial systems and maintain thriving markets, there is a need to bolster the rights of consumers and we need to do this at the soonest possible time,” Sen. Bam said in Senate Bill No. 1241 or the Revised Consumer Act of the Philippines.
 
“The measure aims to amend the 1992 Act in order to address the current issues facing our consumers and markets,” added Sen. Bam, chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship in the 16th Congress.
 
If enacted into law, the measure gives the DTI authority to close down any establishment caught in the act of selling, distributing, manufacturing, producing, displaying or importing hazardous and defective products.
 
It also increases administrative fines against erring businesses from P50,000 up to P10 million. The current law imposes a fine of P500 to P300,000.
 
“The fines should amount to five percent of the gross value of sales of the consumer product or service subject to the consumer complaint,” he stressed.
 
The amendments include provision for new information and communications technologies (ICT), such as mobile phones and internet, which is crucial with the advent of the e-commerce industry.
 
In addition, the bill provides greater protection to consumers, particularly from false and deceptive advertising using mobile phones and the Internet.
 
“Proposed provisions in this measure also aim to better protect consumers from dangerous and unsafe products and abusive sales practice,” said Sen. Bam.
 
The proposal also reiterates the eight consumer rights (rights to basic needs, safety, basic information, choose, representation, redress, consumer education and healthy environment) and five consumer responsibilities (critical awareness, action, social concern, environmental awareness and solidarity).
 
Furthermore, the measure mandates manufacturers to maintain a consumer hotline or service center that consumers can easily reach for complaints and inquiries by phone, email or other effective means.
 
In addition, foreign products with labels written in foreign characters or language will be allowed entry into the country only if they have a corresponding English or Filipino translation.
 
The measure will place the National Consumer Affairs Council (NCAC) under the Office of the DTI Secretary to give it more independence and power.
 
It will also be expanded to include the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Department of Energy, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Information and Communication Technology. 
  
Businesses offering price-discounted rates for single or bulk purchase of products or services will be exempted from the requirement to secure a sales promotion permit , alleviating them of the added burden. This move will help to facilitate e-commerce in the country.

 

101st Negosyo Center opens Today in Concepcion, Tarlac

The number of Negosyo Centers in the country has breached the century mark with the opening of its 101st branch in Concepcion, Tarlac today (Friday, Oct. 2).

“We are very happy to surpass our target of 100 for the year with three months left. With the rate we’re going, we are on track of reaching 120 before 2015 ends,” said Sen. Bam Aquino, chairman of the Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

The Concepcion Negosyo Center, located at the ground floor of the Concepcion Municipal Hall, is the second in the province and sixth in Region III, next to Tarlac City, Balanga in Bataan, Olongapo City, Baler and Maria Aurora in Aurora and Malolos in Bulacan.

Sen. Bam, who hails from Concepcion, will attend the inauguration together with Tarlac local officials, led by Gov. Victor Yap, Vice Gov. Enrique “Kit” Conjuangco and Concepcion Mayor Andres Lacson.

Top Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) officials and representatives from private stakeholders, such as the Concepcion Business Club, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Tarlac and the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (SMEDC) are also expected to attend the event.

Sen. Bam is the main author of Republic Act 10644, or the Go Negosyo Act, which mandates the creation of Negosyo Centers in all provinces, cities and municipalities in the country.

The Negosyo Center will provide access to linkages to bigger markets and financing for businesses, and a unified and simplified business registration process, thus helping ease of doing business and fast-track government processes in putting up a business.

The senator lauded the DTI for making sure that the Go Negosyo Law is being fully implemented for the welfare of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.

“I would like to thank the DTI for tirelessly working for the full implementation of the Law and for allowing my office to closely coordinate in the establishment of Negosyo Centers in different parts of the country,” Sen. Bam said.

NEGOSYO, NOW NA!: Export Business

Mga Kanegosyo, naitampok na natin dati ang kuwento ng Oryspa, isang kumpanyang gumagawa ng beauty at personal care products na pagmamay-ari ni Sherill Quintana.

Ang kuwento ng tagumpay niya ang isa sa ginawa nating halimbawa para magbigay inspirasyon. 

Kakaiba ang mga produkto ng Oryspa dahil pangunahing sangkap nito ay darak, isang produktong agrikultural na mula sa bigas. Madalas, ang darak ay pinapakain lang sa baboy.

Ngunit natuklasan niya na ang darak ay mayaman sa Vitamin E at A. Mayroon din itong oryzanol, na anti-oxidant na, anti-aging pa. Kaya ito ang ginamit na sangkap ng Oryspa sa kanilang meditation balm, solid perfume, massage oil, chili oil at sabon, na pawang all-natural at paraben-free.

***  

Mga Kanegosyo, nang maging panauhin natin siya sa programang “Status Update,” nagkaroon kami ng mas malalim na talakayan ukol sa susi ng tagumpay ng kanyang negosyo.

Ayon kanya, nagsi­mula siya sa toll manufacturing, o paggawa ng produktong pang-export na walang sariling pangalan para sa mga dayuhang kumpanya. Ang mahirap dito, walang sariling pagkakakilanlan.

Masaya na sana sila sa ganoong sistema, ngunit nang lumipat ang dayuhang kumpanya ng supplier sa China dahil mas mura ang pasuweldo ng tao roon, nagdesisyon silang buuin ang pangalang Orypsa.

*** 

Ayon sa kanyang kuwento, napukaw ang interes niya noon sa exporting nang mapasama siya sa isang international exhibit ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) kung saan nakilala niya ang maraming international buyer.

Sa nasabing expo, siya mismo ang nagtanghal ng kanyang mga produkto sa mga dayuhang buyer.  Kung tatahi-tahimik lang siya ay wala raw siyang mabebenta sa ibang bansa.

Kaya mula noon, mga Kanegosyo, binago na niya ang kanyang pana­naw sa pagnenegosyo. Pinaganda niyang mabuti ang kanyang kalidad at packaging upang maakit ang mga dayuhang mamimili.

Maganda raw ang mag-export ng produktong Pilipino dahil malaki man ang gastos, malaki rin ang kita. Dahil angkin ang pangalan o brand ng produkto, lahat ng kita ay mapupunta sa negosyo kumpara sa kung mag-susupply lamang para sa ibang kumpanya.

*** 

Nagbigay siya ng ilang mga payo sa mga negosyanteng nais mag-export.

Una, kailangan ng maayos na sistema ng shipping o pagpapadala ng produkto sa iba’t ibang bansa. Maaaring humingi ng tulong sa PhilExport o di kaya’y kumuha ng serbisyo ng isang shipping company.

Mahalaga ang pagkakaroon ng maaasahang shipping company dahi sinusunod ng karamihan sa mga dayuhang kumpanya ang mga deadline. May karampatang multa kung hindi makasunod dito na malaking kabawasan din sa kikitain.

Pagdating naman sa pagpepresyo ng ating mga produkto, busisiing mabuti ang lahat ng gastos – sa shipping, sa mga buwis at kung anu-ano pang gastos para maayos ang tamang presyo ng produkto sa ibang bansa.

Higit sa lahat, huwag daw matakot na isabak ang ating mga produkto sa ibang bansa dahil kayang kaya na­ting makipagsabayan sa ibang negosyo sa buong mundo. Lakas ng loob ang kailangang idagdag para lalong mapagtagumpayan ang ating negosyo!

 

First Published on Abante Online

 

 

Sen. Bam Committed to Supporting MSMEs in Zamboanga

Zamboanga City – Senator Bam Aquino visited Zamboanga City last Thursday to launch the 4th Negosyo Center in the region and the 73rd in the country.

“We’re proud to have this center up in Zamboanga City. Alam po natin na napakaganda ng potensyal dito,” said Sen. Bam, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

Sen. Bam is the main author of Republic Act 10644, or the Go Negosyo Act, which mandates the creation of Negosyo Centers in all provinces, cities and municipalities in the country.

It is the Senator’s advocacy to achieve inclusive growth through enabling and empowering micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“For our MSMEs, it’s not about protection but about competition. It is about enabling them and giving them the support so they can compete in larger markets,” said the neophyte Senator, “How can they compete? They can compete kung meron silang puhunan, kaalaman, at access sa malalaking merkado.”

It is the objective of the newly inaugurated Negosyo Center, located at the DTI provincial office along Veteran’s Avenue, to provide access to bigger markets and financing for businesses while simplifying the business registration process.

As for the major challenge faced by Zamboanga’s entrepreneurs, the Senator hopes to work closely with the local government unit to look into the energy crisis.

“Kung walang kuryente, walang negosyo so I know how important it is,” he said, “We need to take a closer look at it. We will work with Mayor Beng Climaco and Chairman Chris Arnuco to figure out how to handle this better.”

Overall, Sen. Bam believes that spurring a thriving MSME sector is the key to spreading the economic surge the country is experiencing.

“We want to see our MSME succeed because if they are successful, they provide jobs, the local economy will grow, and we create value of our countrymen,” he said, “We’re hoping that through this center, we can provide tangible support to our MSMEs.”

BIDA KA!: Negosyo, Hataw Na!

Mga Bida, nitong nakaraang mga linggo, kabi-kabila ang ginawang inagurasyon ng Negosyo Center sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa.

Kamakailan, nagtungo ako sa Daet sa Camarines Norte at Batangas City para pangunahan ang pagbubukas ng tatlong Negosyo Center doon.

Maliban dito, sunud-sunod din ang inagurasyon ng Negosyo Center sa Bataan, Baguio City, Benguet, Tabuk City, Lagawe, Bontoc, Pagadian, Alaminos City, Agusan del Sur at Ozamis City.

Ito’y dagdag pa sa mga naunang binuksan sa Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo City, Aklan, Bulacan, General Santos City, Butuan and Albay.

Mga Bida, kung inyong naaalala, ang Go Negosyo Act ang unang batas na naipasa natin sa ating termino, kung saan magtatayo ng Negosyo Center sa bawat probinsya, siyudad at munisipalidad sa bansa.

Sa tulong ng Negosyo Center, maiuugnay ang mga negosyante, lalo na ang maliliit, sa mas malalaking merkado at mga nagpapautang, at magkakaroon ng pinasimple at pinag-isang business registration process, na magpapabilis ng proseso sa pagtatayo ng negosyo.

Sa taya ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), aabot sa 55 Negosyo Centers ang nakatakdang buksan sa pagtatapos ng linggong ito.

Bago magpalit ng taon, inaasahan ng DTI na aabot sa 140 Negosyo Centers ang bubuksan, higit pa sa unang target na isandaang centers sa 2015.

***

Mga Bida, nakakatuwa rin na sa bawat binubuksang Negosyo Center o maging sa workshop na ginagawa ng aming tanggapan, may natutuklasan tayong mga kuwentong magsisilbing inspirasyon at gabay ng sinumang nais magnegosyo.

Mula nang buksan ang Negosyo Center sa Cagayan de Oro, na siyang kauna-unahan sa Pilipinas, dinagsa na ito ng napakaraming negosyante.

Sa unang buwan pa lamang nito, mahigit 500 kliyente na ang napagsilbihan nito, kahit na wala pa itong masyadong patalastas na nagawa.

***

Noong binuksan natin ang Negosyo Center sa Kalibo, napag-alaman natin na limang porsiyento lang ng mga produkto at iba pang pangangailangan ng mga beach resort sa Boracay ang kinukuha sa lalawigan.

Karamihan sa mga produktong ginagamit o ibinebenta sa Boracay ay mula pa Cebu, Bohol at iba pang kalapit na lalawigan. Ang iba nga, inaangkat pa mula sa mga kalapit-bansa natin sa Southeast Asia.

Ito ang isa sa mga hamon na kakaharapin ng Negosyo Center na binuksan sa nasabing lugar – ang iugnay ang mga produkto ng lalawigan sa mga malalaking negosyo sa Boracay. Kung magagawa ito, kikita ang mga negosyo ng mga Aklanon, magkakaroon ng mas maraming trabaho roon at uunlad ang buong ekonomiya ng Aklan!

***

Sa workshop sa La Union, naimbitahang speaker si Cat Patacsil ng social enterprise na First Harvest, at tinalakay niya ang kanyang karanasan sa paghahanap ng honey bilang pangunahing sangkap ng kanyang negosyo.

Pagkatapos, nilapitan siya ng mga kinatawan mula sa lalawigan ng Benguet, na siya palang pinakamalaking producer ng honey sa bansa. Pinag-usapan nila kung kayang tapatan ng produksyon ng mga taga-Benguet ang pangangailangang honey ng First Harvest.

Naiugnay natin ang isang negosyo at supplier para magtulungan sa produksyon ng peanut butter. Panalo ang nangyaring ito para sa lahat!

***

Ang huling kuwento natin ay tungkol sa mainit na pagtanggap ng mga Bicolano sa mga Negosyo Center na ating binuksan sa Daet.  Pumunta tayo roon para buksan ang dalawang Center – isa sa siyudad ng Daet, at ang isa ay para sa buong probinsya ng Camarines Norte.

Lalo pang napukaw ang interes ng mga taga-Daet nang igawad ng Small Business (SB) Corporation ang P1 milyong loan sa isang negosyante na nagbibiyahe ng iba’t ibang produkto.

Isa lang ito sa mga serbisyong makukuha ng mga negosyante sa Negosyo Center.

Mayroon tayong iba’t ibang microfinance institutions na handang makipagtulungan upang magbigay ng puhunan sa maliliit na negosyante sa napakababang interes nang walang collateral.

Kasalukuyan nating iniipon ang listahan ng mga nakabukas nang Negosyo Center at ilalagay namin ito, kasama ng kanilang mga address at numero sa www.bamaquino.com.

Mga Bida, ngayong nagkalat na at patuloy pang nadadagdagan ang Negosyo Centers sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas, asahan pa ang pagdami ng mga kuwentong magbibigay sa atin ng inspirasyon, gabay at maging aral sa ating pagnenegosyo!

First Published on Abante Online

BIDA KA!: Rehas na bakal para sa nambabakal!

Mga Bida, bumisita ako sa Bohol kamakailan upang tingnan ang ginagawang rehabilitasyon ng lalawigan mula sa pinsalang dulot ng malakas na lindol noong nakaraang taon.

Malaking perhuwisyo ang iniwan ng nasabing lindol sa lalawigan at kalapit-probinsiya na Cebu.

Maliban sa mahigit dalawandaang buhay na nawala, at nasira rin ang ilang tourist spots ng probinsiya.

Kung sa ibang lugar ay nagsisikap na mag-reclamation, doon sa isang lugar sa Bohol ay may bagong baybayin ang uma­ngat dahil sa lindol.

Pati mga simbahan sa Baclayon, Loboc at Loon na ilang daang taon na ang edad ay nadurog sa malakas na pagyanig.

Sa pag-ikot ko sa probinsya kasama ang gobernador na si Edgar Chatto, pinakita niya ang mga ginagawang rehabilitas­yon sa mga daan, gusali at iba pang imprastraktura.

Hindi nagpapatalo ang mga Boholano sa nangyaring sakuna sa kanila.

Ang mga pribadong kumpanya, NGO at gobyerno ay sama-samang nagtatrabaho para muling ibalik ang dating sigla ng kanilang probinsya.

***

Sa aming pag-iikot, naagaw ang aking pansin ng dalawan­g magkalapit na bahay na gawa sa semento. Ang isa, talagang sira-sira na habang ang kalapit na bahay ay nakatayo pa rin.

Nakakapagtaka dahil halos magkatabi lang ang dalawang bahay at parehong sementado pa. Paano nangyari na ang isa ay nagiba at habang ang isa ay kinaya ang malakas na lindol?

Napag-usapan namin na siguro, ang ginamit sa nagibang bahay at iba pang nasirang istruktura ay mahinang klase ng bakal at hindi sumunod sa umiiral na panuntunan.

Hindi dapat ganito ang sitwasyon. Sa bansang gaya ng Pilipinas na madalas bisitahin ng kalamidad tulad ng lindol at bagyo, mahalaga na mayroong matibay na istruktura.

Kung ginamit lang ang tamang klase ng bakal, siguro ‘di ganoong kagrabe ang napinsala at hindi sana umabot sa mahi­git dalawandaang katao ang nagbuwis ng buhay.

Sabi nga ni Gov. Chatto sa aming pag-uusap, “Walang namamatay sa lindol. Marami ang namamatay dahil nababagsakan ng mga nagibang gusali”.

***

Napapanahon pala ang pagdalaw kong ito sa Bohol. Ti­yempo kasi na ilang araw bago ako nagtungo roon, naghain ako ng resolusyon para imbestigahan ang talamak na pagbebenta ng mahinang klase at puslit na produktong bakal sa merkado.

Ito’y bahagi ng aking tungkulin bilang chairman ng Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship, ang tiyakin na lahat ng binebenta sa merkado ay nasa tamang kalidad.

Hiningi ko ang imbestigasyon kasunod ng paglapit sa akin ng ilang grupo gaya ng Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PIS­I) at Steel Angles, Shapes and Sections Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (SASSMAPI) at ng Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Talamak ang bentahan ng mahinang klase at puslit na produktong bakal gaya ng reinforcing steel bars.

***

Sa kalakaran ng mga walang pusong nagbebenta ng mahinang uri ng bakal, ang produktong may nakatatak na tamang bigat ay mas magaan pala.

Buhay ang katumbas na kinikita nilang ekstra sa maru­ming paraan.

Masahol pa sila sa mga kriminal na halang ang kaluluwa dahil maraming buhay ang kanilang inilalagay sa panganib at kapahamakan.

Kaya sa gagawin nating imbestigasyon, mananagot ang dapat managot. Malamig na rehas na bakal ang dapat katapat ng mga nambabakal.

First Published on Abante Online

Lower Prices of Goods Perfect Christmas Gift to Consumers – Sen. Bam

Senator Bam Aquino urges producers to heed the Department of Trade and Industry’s call to roll back prices of goods and products, saying it will be a perfect Christmas gift to millions of consumers.

 

“It will be an ideal gift for millions of Filipinos if our producers follow DTI’s call to adjust their prices commensurate to the decrease in prices of oil products,” Aquino said.

 

“We must give our consumers some reprieve from the high price of goods from the market,” added Aquino, chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship.

 

Based on a DTI study, Aquino said oil prices in the world market have dropped 30 percent since June this year.

 

“The 30-percent drop in oil prices should translate to at least a 3-percent decrease in prices of goods,” Aquino emphasized, citing the DTI report.

 

The DTI is already determining how much should be deducted from the suggested retail price (SRP) of basic necessities and prime commodities that include agricultural and non-agricultural products.

 

The DTI has already released an initial guideline for a number of basic products where it indicates that a 155-gram can of sardines must go down by P0.2.

 

The guideline also states that a 370-milliliter (mL) can of evaporated milk should go down by P0.95; a 50-g coffee refill by P0.99; and a 25-kilogram (kg) sack of flour by P25.91.

 

Also, Aquino reminded consumers to compare prices of Noche Buena products with the DTI’s SRP list posted in supermarkets and other stores all over the country.

 

“This is to ensure that we are getting the Noche Buena goods at the right price,” Aquino said.

 

The senator urges consumers to report stores which violate the SRP through DTI’s hotline number (02) 751-3330.

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