Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) expressed disbelief at the statement of Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and presidential spokesperson Claire Castro that ₱500 would be enough for a Filipino family’s noche buena or traditional christmas dinner.

KMU spokesperson Jerome Adonis said a worker and their family need at least ₱1,200 daily wage to live decently. Stretching ₱500 for decent and nutritious meals on regular days is already difficult. It is even more insufficient for a special feast Filipinos look forward to every year.

“That’s no longer Noche Buena, that’s Leche Buena (wretched night),” Adonis said.

This statement proves that the Ferdinand Marcos regime knows nothing about the suffering that Filipino families endure, he added.

“Your statements deceive no one and instead further fuel the people’s anger,” Adonis said. “You therefore deserve to be removed from office.”

In the DTI’s list itself, the prices of 95 out of 256 noche buena products increased this year compared to 2024, while 129 products retained their prices. Those that increased include ham, fruit cocktail, spaghetti sauce, and tomato sauce.

Based on actual prices in grocery stores and wet markets, the simplest feast for a five-member family could reach ₱1,000–₱2,000. This would include only basic dishes such as spaghetti or pansit (Filipino traditional noodle dish), the smallest ham, a small portion of fruit salad, and bread or rice. Adding more food, such as queso de bola (edam), another viand, and upsizing to a medium-sized ham, would raise the cost to ₱2,500–₱4,000. A “more lavish” feast could reach up to ₱5,000.