Senator Bam Aquino is calling for more targeted government assistance, warning that many small businesses and working Filipinos remain underserved by current aid programs.
Aquino pushed for immediate and focused support for micro, small, and medium enterprises, along with the vulnerable middle class. He said these groups continue to face financial pressure despite existing programs, with many falling outside the coverage of traditional assistance.
He emphasized that micro, small, and medium enterprises, or MSMEs, account for the majority of businesses in the country and play a major role in employment and economic activity. Aquino said this makes the sector central to sustaining jobs and livelihoods, especially as small enterprises continue to navigate ongoing challenges.
Aquino said assistance should be directed toward those who need it most, particularly businesses that are still recovering and households that are not classified as poor but remain financially exposed. He noted that many Filipinos in the middle-income bracket do not qualify for government aid but still struggle to absorb sudden expenses or income disruptions.
He raised concern that gaps in current systems leave both small businesses and working families without timely support, even as they continue to contribute to the economy. Aquino said this highlights the need for a more precise approach in identifying and assisting those at risk.
He urged the government to improve how aid is distributed so that it reaches both MSMEs and vulnerable households more effectively. Aquino said better targeting would help ensure that limited public funds are used efficiently and directed to those who need them most.
