1. CPI of Food, Beverages and Tobacco (FBT): National Capital Region (NCR) and Areas Outside the National Capital Region (AONCR)

   The seasonally adjusted CPI of FBT items in NCR and AONCR registered at 126.1 and 131.5 in May were higher than their respective April levels of 126.0 and 131.0.

   Seasonal factors such as the observance of fiestas in many areas that brought bigger demand for meat and other food items did not pull up prices of FBT items in the two areas relative to the expected trend.

   On a monthly basis, prices of seasonally adjusted FBT items in NCR which moved at 0.1 percent in May was slower than the 0.2 percent growth in April while that in AONCR, prices increased to 0.4 percent from previous month�s rate of 0.2 percent.

2. CPI of Non-FBT items: National Capital Region (NCR) and Areas Outside the National Capital Region (AONCR)

The seasonally adjusted CPI of non-FBT items in NCR and AONCR were correspondingly higher at 149.7 and 142.5 in May from their respective April levels of 148.7 and 142.1. Higher demand for some clothing items and school supplies due to the observance of fiestas and in preparation for the coming opening of classes were noted during the month. These seasonal factors however, did not push up prices of non-FBT items in NCR and AONCR relative to the expected trend.

Compared to April 2006, prices of seasonally adjusted CPI of non-FBT items in NCR and AONCR went up by 0.7 percent and 0.3 percent in May from 0.3 percent and 0.2 percent, respectively.