Even the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) cannot accept the opinion expressed by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) that P10,000 is enough for the monthly budget of a family of five to live decently.

At the News and Nuances Forum at Nanka Restaurant in Quezon City, DTI Undersecretary Ruth Castelo said that based on prevailing market prices of essential commodities, P10,000 could only cover for the food expenses of a family of five.

“Based on the current SRP (suggested retail price) of basic commodities, a family of five would spend around P300 a day for food or around P9,000 a month,” Castelo told reporters covering the forum.

According to Castelo, the P300 a day food expense would only include coffee, milk, a loaf of bread, rice and canned goods including sardines, corned beef, meatloaf, and beef loaf.

“The 300 daily expense does not include provisions for transportation, shelter, health, education, and other expenses,” Castelo said.

Recently, NEDA came under fire after declaring P10,000 would suffice the needs of an ordinary of five.

But NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon already issued a clarification that the P10,000 monthly budget was just a “hypothetical figure” to underscore how a five-member family can appropriate their fund for specific needs.

Edillon said she never stated that a family of five only needs P10,000 to live decently.

On Friday, NEDA chief Ernesto Pernia clarified that an average Filipino family need a combined income of P42,000 monthly to live above the poverty threshold.

Meanwhile, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate slammed NEDA saying the administration’s economic managers are out of touch from reality.

“Could they themselves actually live on a P10,000 budget for their family? Have they experienced that?” Zarate asked.

“They should step down from their pedestal and try living on a P10,000 monthly budget even for six months before they start talking,” he added.

Castelo, however, clarified her budgetary projection was solely hers.

“That is only my personal opinion,” Castelo stressed.

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