MANILA — As global oil prices continue to climb, Senator Bam Aquino highlighted the need for the Philippine government to provide focused assistance to middle-class families and small business owners who are often left out of standard welfare programs.
“Many middle-class Filipinos—minimum wage earners or small entrepreneurs—are above the poverty line and therefore miss out on aid, yet they remain vulnerable to economic shocks,” Aquino explained in a television interview Friday.
He stressed that swift and targeted government action is essential to help households cope with rising costs at markets, gas stations, grocery stores, and neighborhood shops.
“The impact is felt directly by consumers. The government must act quickly: if aid can be targeted or industry support provided, it should happen immediately. Measures should be specific, not general,” Aquino said.
He encouraged authorities to leverage data and information systems to ensure aid reaches those who need it most, particularly sectors outside conventional social protection programs.
Aquino also pointed out the importance of supporting MSMEs and transport workers to sustain overall economic activity.
“Funds for aid are already available. This is the right moment to deploy them effectively. Targeted use of aid can help keep our economy from slipping into recession,” he said.
He proposed that such assistance might include fuel subsidies, direct cash transfers, and enhanced supply chain linkages, including increased sourcing from MSMEs, to cushion both households and businesses from rising prices.
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