MANILA – Senators Bam Aquino and Risa Hontiveros on Friday called for targeted government assistance to protect the middle class, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and transport workers from the effects of rising global oil prices.

Senator Aquino said many Filipinos above the poverty threshold, including minimum wage earners and small business owners, remain vulnerable to price shocks but are often excluded from government aid.

“Iyong mga middle class na sabihin na nating minimum wage earners or may small businesses. They’re above the poverty line and therefore hindi nila nakukuha iyong mga ayuda pero nasa delikadong sitwasyon sila,” he said in a television interview.

Aquino urged government agencies to act swiftly and deliver targeted support, rather than broad-based programs, to cushion the impact of rising prices in markets, groceries, gasoline stations, and sari-sari stores.

“We will see the shocks eventually sa palengke, sa grocery, sa gasoline station, sa sari-sari store. Ito yung masakit talaga. Kailangan iyong gobyerno, mabilis gumalaw. Kung may mga ayuda na pwedeng targeted, mabigay kaagad. Kung may support for industries, mabigay kaagad. Huwag general, dapat specific,” he said.

He emphasized that assistance could include fuel subsidies, direct financial aid, and strengthening supply chain linkages, such as increased procurement from MSMEs. Aquino also highlighted the need to support transport workers to sustain mobility and economic activity.

“We need to support our MSMEs. We need to support our transport workers. Napakalaking pondo ang nakalaan sa ayuda. Maybe this is the time na gamitin natin siya. Targeted na paggamit ng ayuda para masigurado natin, yung ekonomiya natin hindi magre-recession,” he added.

Senator Hontiveros said she asked the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to clarify how the PHP30-billion Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) fund can reach more public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers, including those outside the “poorest of the poor.”

“Sumulat tayo sa DBM para matiyak ang agarang pag-abot ng tulong,” she said, noting that drivers face losses of over PHP1,000 daily due to high fuel costs. She flagged the lack of aid channels for transport cooperatives.

“Kailangan natin sila suportahan,” Hontiveros said, while backing a proposed PHP52.8-billion subsidy package but warning of possible transport disruptions without clear rollout.