Gov’t yet to provide aid for middle-class citizens amid rising oil prices | Inquirer News

Gov’t yet to provide aid for middle-class citizens amid rising oil prices

/ 02:45 PM March 16, 2022

MANILA, Philippines — The government has yet to provide assistance for middle-class citizens amid soaring fuel prices, Malacañang said on Wednesday.

In a Palace press briefing, acting presidential spokesperson Martin Andanar was asked what subsidy will be provided to the middle class who also feel the burden of rising oil costs.

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“Naintindihan po natin ‘yan. Pero unawain po natin na hindi lahat ay mabibigyan. Unahin po muna natin ‘yung most vulnerable sector at ang most vulnerable o ‘yung most affected ay ang mahihirap nating kababayan at ‘yung mga minimum wage earners,” he replied.

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(We understand that. But let us also understand that not everyone will be given aid. We will prioritize the most vulnerable sector: our poor fellow Filipinos and minimum wage earners.)

In a taped address aired early Wednesday, President Rodrigo Duterte approved to retain excise tax on fuel products and instead give P200 monthly to poor families to alleviate their woes.

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READ: Duterte nixes suspension of fuel excise tax; OKs P200 monthly subsidy to poor families

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The P200 subsidy will be provided to each household belonging in the bottom half.

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Currently, local pump prices cost P84 for diesel and P94 for gasoline.

READ: Oil firms set biggest increase in fuel prices

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As pump costs spike, transport groups have petitioned to increase the minimum fare while labor groups call for a higher minimum wage.

READ: Transport group pushes for minimum fare of P15

The National Economic Development Authority, however, is not keen on the proposals as this may contribute to higher inflation rate.

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TAGS: aid, Fuel, Middle class, Oil, subsidy

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