Senator Mark Villar has urged the public to become vigilant on the prices of usual products being sold only during the observance of "All Saints and All Souls Day" or Undas.

Villar lamented that some sellers are taking advantage of the prices of flowers, candles, and other food products, including bottled water, glutinous or sticky rice, and sugar, during Undas season.

"Sa taunang paggunita natin ng Undas, mahalaga po na ating bantayan ang presyo ng mga bilihin para masiguro na ang ating mga mabibili, lalo na ang mga kandila at bulaklak, ay hindi lumalabag sa price guide ng DTI," he said.

The senator cited the recent surprise price monitoring by the Department of Trade and Industry to flower markets where they have recorded a sudden increase in flower prices.

"Just a few days away from Undas, prices of flowers in Dangwa already increased by P30 to P200 depending on the type of flower and its arrangement," he said.

While there are no suggested retail prices for flowers, Villar reiterated the DTI's appeal to vendors "to maintain their fair prices" amid peak season.

"For candles and bottled water, however, DTI reminds the vendors to observe the SRPs," Villar stressed, as he cited the DTI's conduct of multiple price monitoring activities for other essential Undas products.

Villar, who chairs the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce, and Entrepreneurship, urged the vendors to maintain the prices of flowers, candles, and other products within the SRPs as their contribution to meaningful observance of this year's Undas season.

"Apart from a safe and orderly celebration of Undas, it is likewise important that we monitor the prices of these in-demand products. Mahalaga po na as we pay respect to our departed loved ones, tayo rin po ay maging mapanuri sa mga bilihin na ating gagamitin sa paggunita sa kanila," he said.

Villar encouraged the public to utilize the DTI Hotline 1384 for any reports or complaints on commodities' prices in the country.