Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Wednesday reiterated his call for direct and sustainable financial assistance to Filipino families, stressing the need to address gaps in the current targeted aid system.
Speaking during the first day of plenary debates on the proposed 2025 budget with the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) on November 6, Cayetano emphasized the effectiveness of providing P10,000 per family, a relief measure he implemented during the pandemic.
Cayetano said he continues to support this approach, explaining that the funds could even be increased to P20,000 per family, considering the P500 billion budget allocated for ayuda or aid.
Senator Grace Poe, Chairperson of the Committee on Finance, noted the P591 billion allocation in the 2025 budget for financial aid but acknowledged Cayetano’s concerns about gaps in the distribution system.
Cayetano argued that the government’s preference for targeted assistance often leaves out the poorest, benefiting only those with political connections or easy access to government offices.
He expressed the need for a more inclusive and empowering form of assistance, questioning when the government would shift focus from temporary relief to sustainable programs that help families become self-reliant.
Senator Poe agreed, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that financial support reaches all vulnerable sectors, not just a select few.
Cayetano concluded by suggesting that the government should start balancing immediate aid with long-term initiatives that equip families with the skills and opportunities to be self-sufficient.