MANILA — A statement from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) that a typical Filipino family can celebrate Christmas Eve (Noche Buena) with just ₱500 has triggered strong backlash from public officials, celebrities, and civic groups — prompting questions over its realism amid rising prices and economic hardship.
At a press briefing, DTI Secretary Cristina Aldeguer‑Roque defended the suggestion, citing a “price guide” that covers ham (₱170), spaghetti (noodles at ₱30 and sauce at ₱48.50), macaroni salad, fruit salad or pandesal — estimating that a pared-down Noche Buena for a family of four could “fit” within ₱500.
But detractors say the estimate is disconnected from reality. Sara Duterte — the Vice President — rejected the claim, calling it unrealistic and noting that her own office’s Christmas aid packages for families cost around ₱2,100.
Public figures and celebrities joined the chorus of criticism. Judy Ann Santos‑Agoncillo urged the DTI to do “more research” before proposing such a budget, warning that many Filipinos are already “hanging by a thin thread.” Meanwhile, actor Benjamin Alves used a sarcastic tone to lambast the proposal, writing on social media that the ₱500 Noche Buena “fuelled public outrage due to its deep disconnect from the current economic reality.”
Lawmakers and labor groups echoed such sentiments. A sectoral group described the ₱500 figure as “an insult to workers and ordinary Filipinos,” arguing that it “ignores actual household spending” and undermines what a proper Noche Buena should be.
Critics argue that the DTI’s suggested budget glosses over the economic burden many families currently face — stagnant wages, inflation, and rising costs of basic goods — and reduces what traditionally is a meaningful holiday gathering into a minimalist checklist of bare essentials.
For its part, the DTI clarified that the ₱500 guideline applies only to small families (e.g. two parents and two kids) and for a simple meal — acknowledging that costs can vary based on the number of people and the menu.
As the debate grows, many Filipinos are left questioning: is ₱500 truly enough for Noche Buena in 2025 — or is this proposal emblematic of a widening divide between official estimates and the real budgeting struggles of households?
