Judy Ann Santos Slams Viral DTI Christmas Budget
JUDY ANN SANTOS – Award-winning actress Judy Ann Santos has spoken out against the DTI’s assertion that P500 can cover a Christmas Eve meal, stressing that many Filipinos felt disrespected by the remark.
Judy Ann Santos has added her voice to the growing list of Filipino personalities criticizing the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) viral claim that a P500 budget is sufficient for a Noche Buena spread. Her comments contribute to the widespread discussion questioning the practicality and sensitivity of the agency’s pronouncement as the holidays approach.
Speaking at a media event for a brand she represents, Judy Ann mentioned that she hoped the agency had conducted more extensive research before announcing that families could rely on a P500 budget for their Christmas Eve celebration. Like other celebrities who have expressed concern, she emphasized that the DTI’s estimate does not reflect the true cost of food items in the current economy.
For Juday, the suggested budget is clearly unrealistic. She underscored that P500 is inadequate for a household of four. As she put it, “Napaka controversial talaga niyan. Actually, ang daming nasaktan, maraming na offend, maraming hindi nakaappreciate kasi parang nadegrade naman masyado ang mga tao. Siguro, they could be more specific sa 500 na yun.” Judy Ann also pointed out that with prices continuing to rise, even couples would find it difficult to prepare a proper festive meal with that amount.
She further noted that Filipinos are particularly sensitive these days due to the numerous difficulties the country has been facing, which is why the DTI’s claim struck a nerve. She explained, “Probably more research could’ve been done before naglabas ng ganun statement kasi sa panahon ng buhay natin ngayon that everybody’s just clinging in to a thin thread, kahit anong sabihin talaga mapapansin–– lalo usapang pera.”
Judy Ann also stressed that a more compassionate approach from the agency would have been appreciated, especially since many felt insulted by the statement. “Anyway, sana maging mas compassionate lang sa mga ganyan klaseng pagbibigay… Gusto mo tumulong sa Filipino family pero parang mas nakaoffend ka pa. Sana mas naging sensitive lang sa part na yun kasi ilan lang ba ang Filipino families na walang anak?” she added.
She concluded with a heartfelt reminder: “Nakakalungkot lang isipin that they could’ve been more sensitive in that part because marami na tayong pinagdadaanan. Masyado ng durog ang Pilipino. Sana, bilang mag papasko, mas pinagisipan kung paano siya idedeliver.”
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