DTI starts probe of retail prices of cement

DTI starts probe of retail prices of cement
18 September 2006


The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines has started investigation of the alleged overpricing of retail prices of cement here which has stalled many government and private projects to decrease an estimated backlog of 100,000 residential units under the government’s socialized housing program.

Art Tibaldo, public information officer of the DTI in the Cordillera region, said the investigation process has yet to be finalized in order that all parties to the controversy will be treated fairly and justifiably. Records show recently, Baguio Rep.

Mauricio Domogan in a privilege speech in the House of Representatives deplored of what he perceived as overpricing of the essential building material in these highlands of northern Luzon. In that speech, he revealed although the plant price of cement per sack is only P151, each bag of cement is retailed here from P190 to P200 and "even higher in far-flung areas in the region." 
Published under Cement News