Inquirer
Paolo Duterte: P500 Noche Buena only possible in imaginary mall
Lawmakers are criticizing the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for its assertion that a P500 Noche Buena meal is sufficient for a family of four or less.
DTI Secretary Cristina Roque clarified that P500 could buy basic items for a simple Christmas meal, emphasizing that not everyone celebrates ostentatiously.
However, lawmakers like Rep. Terry Ridon and Rep. Antonio Tinio have called the DTI's estimate 'unrealistic' and 'insulting,' with Rep. Ridon arguing that current commodity prices make P500 insufficient even for a simple meal.
Rep. Tinio condemned the DTI's claim as 'infuriating,' especially for teachers demanding higher wages.
Davao 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte stated that the P500 Noche Buena budget is only possible if one shops from an imaginary mall.
Rep. Duterte also criticized Palace press officer and Undersecretary Claire Castro, suggesting she doesn't understand people's struggles due to alleged corruption.
The remark also garnered backlash from ordinary Filipinos and celebrities, with actor Edu Manzano launching a '500 Peso Noche Buena Challenge' to test the DTI's claim.
Topics in this story
Explore more stories about these topics.
🤖
This story was generated by AI to help you understand the key points. For more detailed coverage, please see the news articles from trusted media outlets below.
News Sources
See how different news organizations are covering this story. Below are the original articles from various Philippine news sources that contributed to this summary.
Vice President Sara Duterte disputed the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) assertion that P500 is enough for a complete Noche Buena meal for a Filipino family of four.
Read more →
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) stated that P500 is sufficient for Noche Buena, the traditional Filipino Christmas Eve dinner.
Read more →
Actress Judy Ann Santos-Agoncillo finds the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) suggestion that P500 is enough for a Noche Buena meal insensitive and lacking in research, stating that more could have been done.
Read more →
Content creator Benedict Cua accepted the challenge of preparing a Noche Buena feast for P500, documenting his grocery and market trip.
Read more →
Celebrity couple Jessy Mendiola and Luis Manzano expressed their disagreement with the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) claim that ₱500 is sufficient for a Noche Buena meal.
Read more →