Sen. Bam Aquino called on the government to expand assistance programs to include middle-income families, saying they are increasingly vulnerable to rising fuel costs driven by Middle East tensions.
Speaking at a Senate PROTECT Committee hearing, Aquino said current aid largely targets the poorest sectors, leaving many middle-income households without support despite facing similar economic pressures.
He noted that families earning between P28,000 and P55,000 monthly often fall outside eligibility, with an estimated 20 to 30 percent of the population excluded from existing programs.
“These families may not be classified as poor, but they are just one emergency away from falling into poverty,” Aquino said, urging more inclusive or “universal” interventions.
He added that households earning up to P55,000—especially families of five—make up a large share of the population, underscoring the need for broader support.
Department of Economy, Planning and Development Undersecretary Joseph Capuno said the government is exploring non-cash assistance, including toll and public transport discounts. He also said agencies are developing a consolidated database of middle-income households to guide future programs targeting around 7.5 million families.
Aquino, however, pushed for immediate measures, renewing his proposal to suspend fuel excise taxes to provide wider relief.
“If our beneficiary lists are still being refined, then interventions that benefit more people—like suspending fuel excise taxes—should be seriously considered,” he said.
He stressed that inclusive policies are key to cushioning the impact of rising fuel prices on Filipino households.