Makati City—The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), led by Consumer Protection Group (CPG) Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo, dialogued with the Beverage Industry Association of the Philippines (BIAP) in a meeting held today, 18 March 2019, to discuss the prices and supply of bottled water amidst the ongoing water shortage situation in the country.

DTI-CPG Undersecretary Atty. Ruth B. Castelo (center), Consumer Policy and Advocacy Bureau (CPAB) Director Domingo R. Tolentino, Jr., (far right) and CPAB Assistant Director Lilian G. Salonga (second from left) together with the representatives from the Beverage Industry Association of the Philippines (BIAP).

“We are pleased to report to the consuming public that the BIAP assured the DTI that there will be no increase in the prices of potable bottled water, and that supplies are sufficient until the projected end of our water situation in May 2019. The Department commends the industry for exercising social responsibility in helping government ease the plight of consumers who are faced with the lack or shortage of water supply,” says Undersecretary Castelo.

It can be recalled that last week, the DTI received numerous reports that some retailers took advantage of the water shortage situation by overpricing on pail (timba) and dipper (tabo). This prompted the agency to include these products in their regular prices and supply monitoring and enforcement activities to make sure that prices remain stable and that consumers are not unnecessarily disadvantaged.

“DTI is taking a proactive stance on the prices and supply of potable bottled water being a basic necessity under the jurisdiction of the agency even before it becomes an issue. We are grateful for the cooperation and support extended by the BIAP to the government, thus making our efforts more responsive to the needs of the consumers,” says Undersecretary Castelo.

Members of the BIAP that were present at the meeting include: Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, Inc., Pepsi Cola, Universal Robina Corporation, JG Summit Holdings, Philippine Spring Water Resources, Inc., and Zest-O Corporation.♦

Date of Release: 19 March 2019