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.
“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.
(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.
READ: Duterte nixes suspension of fuel excise tax; OKs P200 monthly subsidy to poor families
The P200 subsidy will be provided to each household belonging in the bottom half.
Currently, local pump prices cost P84 for diesel and P94 for gasoline.
READ: Oil firms set biggest increase in fuel prices
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.