Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday announced the expansion of government assistance programs and proposed tax relief measures aimed at easing the financial burden on millions of Filipinos, particularly vulnerable families, workers, and small businesses. In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, Marcos stated that the government has earmarked more than PHP60 billion for assistance programs until the end of the year to help Filipinos cope with continuing economic challenges.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized the government's commitment to support by allocating significant funds, stating, "As long as it is needed, you can count on the government's support to continue. We have allocated more than PHP60 billion for this purpose until the end of the year." He also mentioned that funds recovered from alleged irregularities in government projects would be redirected to programs that directly benefit the public.
The President elaborated on the recalibration of assistance programs to cover more Filipinos in need, including beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Walang Gutom Program. The expanded assistance is expected to reach around 3.5 million beneficiaries of the two programs, 1.5 million minimum wage earners who are members of the Social Security System, and 2.5 million poor Filipinos who have yet to receive government aid.
Marcos highlighted the importance of continued support to the transport sector, farmers, and other agriculture stakeholders, as well as overseas Filipino workers affected by global uncertainties. "In total, we will be able to assist more than 7.5 million families who are in great need during this difficult chapter," he stated.
Aside from expanding social protection programs, Marcos expressed the government's intention to provide relief to the middle class and small businesses affected by economic disruptions. He urged Congress to pass measures that would expand income tax exemptions to workers earning not more than PHP350,000 annually and reduce income tax rates for other workers. Proposed reforms also include removing the minimum corporate income tax for small businesses and granting tax amnesty covering unpaid income tax, estate and donor's tax, value-added tax, and related penalties.
Marcos stressed the need for Congress to pass legislation that offers tax relief, saying, "Therefore, as a special form of protection for them and to allow them to benefit more from their hard-earned income, I call on Congress to pass legislation that will provide some relief from our tax obligations."
He concluded by underscoring the lessons learned from recent crises, emphasizing the importance of strengthening national security, ensuring food and energy stability, maintaining strong international relations, and enhancing the government's capacity to respond swiftly and effectively during emergencies. These lessons, he noted, have enabled the government to improve its response to the needs of Filipinos, particularly those belonging to vulnerable sectors.
