Duterte OKs aid for middle class

President Duterte agreed that the middle class should receive government assistance during the Luzon-wide quarantine.

He instructed the economic team to explore a possible assistance program for middle-income families, which may not necessarily be a social amelioration package.

Cavite Governor Jonvic Remulla proposed considering the welfare of the middle class, stating they are often overlooked despite contributing significantly to the economy.

Duterte acknowledged the validity of Remulla's point, agreeing that they need assistance.

However, the President noted that current funds are insufficient, with the P270 billion allocated for COVID response not being enough.

He has asked Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez to look for additional funds to boost the government's resources.

The government has already begun distributing cash aid to 18 million poor Filipino families as part of the social amelioration program, which does not currently cover middle-class families.