Malacañang said Monday that a P500 noche buena budget remains feasible, responding to criticism from Davao 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte over recent statements from Palace officials.
At a Palace briefing, Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro addressed Duterte’s remarks after he questioned the government’s assertion that a family of four could prepare a Christmas meal for P500.
Castro said experts, including Steve Cua of the Philippine Amalgamated Supermarkets Association Inc., have agreed with the Department of Trade and Industry’s assessment that a P500 budget is possible. She clarified that the discussion focused on feasibility, not on whether the amount could provide a more elaborate holiday meal.
Earlier, Duterte criticized Castro for suggesting that P500 could be sufficient with proper planning. He said a noche buena at that price point was only attainable “in an imaginary mall.” Duterte added that Castro’s analysis showed a lack of understanding of market prices and the public’s struggles.
Castro’s statement followed a similar comment from Secretary Roque, who said Thursday that a family of four could buy ham, spaghetti, and macaroni salad with P500, depending on the number of people sharing the meal.
Roque’s statement drew criticism from netizens, lawmakers, and labor groups, including Kilusang Mayo Uno, which called the claim an insult to Filipino workers facing rising living costs.
Malacañang has not issued further clarification on the suggested holiday budget.