In the morning of 26 September 2023, just a day after DTI Sec. Alfredo Pascual proclaimed that there will be no price increases for BNPCs (basic necessities and prime commodities) until end of the year, PAGASA's STC was sought his opinion regarding the veracity of the Secretary's bold statement. DTI held a Meeting with key manufacturers earlier and prevailed upon them not to increase prices until the following year.

Media mentions that some of these manufacturers said they did not give their consent to the Secretary's request. STC maintains that in an economy that practices free enterprise, prices should be allowed to flow freely as suppliers always watch out that they do not price their products out-of-the-market.