Trade Secretary Maria Cristina Aldeguer-Roque received heavy criticism when she said that a Filipino family can have a Noche Buena for P500, based on the DTI price guide.
Many Filipinos and officials were outraged by his statement. According to ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, it was “an insult to every Filipino who works hard every day.” Many lawmakers said that P500 would be enough if food prices returned to the way they were.
Roque still insisted that a P500 Noche Buena for a family of four is possible. He also suggested buying bundles of Christmas staples like fruit cocktail, spaghetti noodles and sauce, all-purpose cream, macaroni salad, and ham.
But for most, this budget is too small for a special Christmas meal. Tinio pointed out, “What kind of Christmas is that? Just some noodles, eggs, and water?”
Many Filipinos believe they deserve a better and more lavish celebration, not a Noche Buena limited to just P500.
