Cayetano pushes for P10,000 aid for families amid price increases

Former Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano is pushing a proposal for P10,000 in government cash aid for each Filipino family, especially those affected by the recent price increases of basic goods.

In an interview with reporters in Batangas on Saturday, Cayetano said the distribution of financial assistance was needed to boost household consumption amid the price hikes, as the COVID-19 vaccine rollout was not expected to be in full swing until the latter part of the year.

“Ang problema sa price increase, bumabangon ka pa lang, may pabigat na ulit,” Cayetano said.

While Cayetano commended the government’s move to implement a price freeze last year, he said the continuing distribution of financial aid will help both consumers and suppliers and boost economic performance.

“Yung P10,000 per family, parang kukuha ka sa kaliwang bulsa, babalik din sa kanan, dahil iikot din ‘yon sa ating ekonomiya,” he said.

Cayetano also pointed out that the country’s gross domestic product for 2020 fell by 9.6 percent, which is the worst recorded economic contraction since the Second World War.

Cayetano and his wife Lani, who represent the first and second congressional districts of Taguig, respectively, filed a resolution urging the House of Representatives to look into the spiraling prices of basic goods such as meat and vegetables, and put in place measures to curb the rise. — DVM, GMA News