Actress-politician Aiko Melendez has joined the growing wave of criticism against the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) after Secretary Cristina Aldeguer-Roque claimed that a Filipino family could supposedly prepare a Noche Buena meal with ₱500.
The statement, made earlier this week, immediately triggered backlash across social media, with many netizens calling the estimate unrealistic given current market prices.
DTI later clarified on Friday, Nov. 28, that the amount applies to a family of four, depending on which dishes they choose for Christmas Eve.
“The Noche Buena celebration… will depend on the number of family members,” Roque said, reiterating the agency’s earlier price guide.
In a Facebook post, Melendez expressed disbelief and frustration over the statement, calling it insulting to ordinary Filipino families already struggling with rising costs.
“₱500 Noche Buena package?!!! Saan po makakabili niyan? Wag n’yo pong insultuhin ang mga Pilipino. Naku po. Queso de Bola? Holen size po ba ito?” she wrote.
Her post quickly gained traction, sparking hundreds of comments from netizens who shared similar sentiments: “Pa-₱500 Noche Buena challenge nga kayo dyan sa DTI.” “Mg bilo-bilo na lang pang Noche Buena.” “Nakakainis may patawa-tawa pa habang nag-eexplain.”
Aiko joins several public officials who earlier blasted DTI over the proposed budget: Akbayan Rep. Percival Cendaña called the statement an “insult” to Filipinos. Rep. Antonio Tinio (ACT Teachers Party-list) described it as “tone-deaf” amid inflation and corruption issues. Kamanggagawa Rep. Eli San Fernando challenged Sec. Roque to a ₱500 Noche Buena challenge, saying: “Kung naniniwala ka… e mag-₱500 Noche Buena challenge tayo. Kayo na ang mamili ng palengke at lugar, sasamahan ko pa kayo!”
DTI has maintained since 2022 that ₱500 can be enough for a “simple” Noche Buena if consumers choose “cheaper and heavier variations” of dishes such as spaghetti, ham, and macaroni salad.
Despite DTI’s clarification, public outrage continues, with many saying the agency is out of touch with the real prices of food items in markets and groceries.
As the debate intensifies, Aiko Melendez’s post stands out as one of the strongest celebrity reactions, echoing the sentiment of many frustrated Filipinos this holiday season.
