Manila: Senator Imee Marcos has proposed a temporary suspension of salary deductions from state-run agencies to assist Filipinos in coping with the rising costs of fuel and commodities amid ongoing oil price hikes. Marcos is urging the Social Security System, Government Service Insurance System, Pag-IBIG Fund, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to implement this halt in collections alongside a loan moratorium to alleviate the financial burden on workers and various sectors.
According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos highlighted the significant impact of the gasoline and crude oil crisis on the daily lives of Filipinos, particularly workers. She emphasized the need to provide at least a month or more of relief from financial obligations. Since the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East on February 28, oil prices have been on a continuous upward trajectory.
Marcos has called on the concerned agencies to suspend salary deductions, allowing employees to receive their full wages during this challenging period. She expressed that such a measure would help individuals manage the escalating cost of living.
The senator pointed out that workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and small business owners are among those most severely affected by the rising oil prices, which have led to increased transportation costs and higher prices for basic goods. She recalled that similar relief measures were successfully implemented during the Covid-19 pandemic and previous calamities, proving beneficial in easing financial pressures on households.
Marcos warned that the current crisis is an evolving situation that appears to be lasting longer than initially anticipated and urged all possible measures to be taken to lessen the burden on the people.
