THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF 
1 
First ReguIar Session 
1 1 
5 FEP 10 F 1 :2(1 
THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
INTRODUCED BY HONORABLE MAR R O U S  
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill seeks to include locally manufactured instant noodles in the definition of 
“basic necessities” for the purpose of providing them the protection accorded under the 
Price Act against undue price increases during calamity, emergency, widespread illegal 
price manipulation and other similar situations. 
Instant noodles was first introduced in Japan in the 1950s and is now being 
produced in over 80 countries worldwide. In the Philippines, as in neighboring countries, 
the demand for noodles continues to be on the rise. Based on available data, the 
consumption of instant noodles in the Philippines has risen steadily since 1995, reaching 
in the year 2000 a per capita annual consumption of 0.506 kgs. (per person per annum) 
and a total household expenditure of F 6 billion, with a sustained growth rate estimated at 
16% per annum. Instant noodles has indeed become the new staple of many poor 
Filipinos. This increased popularity of instant noodles can be due to the fact that it is 
cheaper and easier to prepare than rice. 
The prevalent public consumption of instant noodles has placed it in the ranks of 
basic necessities such as rice, corn, bread, fish, pork, beef, poultry, etc. During relief 
operations in times of calamities and emergencies, instant noodles is one of the basic 
goods distributed. Undeniably, instant noodles plays an important role in the lives of 
Filipinos. 
At present, however, instant noodles is not accorded the protection which other 
goods classified as “basic necessities” enjoy. While noodles is considered as prime 
commodity under the Price Act, it is not covered by the automatic price control provision 
of the said law which applies only to prices of basic necessities. With the significant 
reliance of the Filipino people on instant noodles for their day-to-day subsistence, it is 
imperative that its price be subject to automatic freezing in areas affected by calamities, 
emergencies, etc., and be subject to a ceiling when its prevailing price is excessive or 
unreasonable. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is 
M A R R O U S  


1 
. ’  
THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF 
) 
First Regular Session 
1 
THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
5 FEfi 
p 7 :2(] 
INTRODUCED BY HONORABLE MAR R O U S  
AN ACT 
TREATING LOCALLY MANUFACTURED INSTANT NOODLES AS BASIC 
NECESSITY, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 3 SUBPARAGRAPH 
(1) OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7581, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE “PRICE 
ACT.” 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives ofthe Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 3 (1) of Republic Act No. 7581, otherwise known as the “Price 
Act, ” is hereby amended to read as follows: 
“Section 3. DeJirrifion of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the 
term: 
(1) 
“Basic necessities” includes: rice; corn; bread; fresh, dried 
and canned fish and other marine products, fresh pork, beef and poultry 
meal; 
fresh 
eggs; 
fresh 
and 
processed 
milk; 
LOCALLY 
MANUFACTURED INSTANT NOODLES; fresh vegetables; root crops; 
coffee; sugar; cooking oil; salt; laundry soap; detergents; firewood; 
charcoal; candles; and drugs classified as essential by the Department of 
Health; 
x x x  
x x x  
x x x.” 
SECTION 2. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees and orders or parts thereof 
inconsistent herewith, are deemed repealed or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 3. Separability Clause. - The provisions of this Act are hereby declared to be 
separable and, in the event any of such provisions is declared unconstitutional, the other 
provisions which are not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
SECTION 4. 
publications in a newspaper of general circulation in the Philippines. 
Approved, 
Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its