Rep. Herrera proposes 2-month wage subsidy for MSME workers

Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera is pushing for a two-month wage subsidy program for workers of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to provide financial relief during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proposed program aims to help MSMEs maintain employment connections and ensure income for their employees affected by the enhanced community quarantine.

The subsidy would be equivalent to the regional minimum wage for two months, based on the prescribed minimum wage for workers in each region.

Herrera emphasized the significant contribution of MSMEs to the Philippine economy, noting they account for over 99% of businesses and employ over 63% of the workforce.

The solon believes that supporting MSMEs is crucial for economic recovery, enabling them to quickly resume normal operations once the pandemic crisis is over.

Additionally, Herrera had previously suggested tax breaks and a six-month moratorium on credit card payments and bank loans for MSMEs to help them revitalize their businesses and avoid layoffs.