Malacañang on Friday described the proposed Agapay sa Hanapbuhay at Operasyon ng Negosyo (AHON) bill as a promising measure, while stressing the need for careful evaluation due to its significant funding requirements.
Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the proposal, filed by Manila 2nd District Representative Rolando Valeriano, may deliver meaningful benefits to the public but would require a supplemental budget for implementation.
“Maganda po iyan pero nangangailangan po rin iyan ng supplemental budget so tingnan po natin,” Castro said.
The AHON bill seeks to provide ₱3,000 in monthly assistance to middle-income earners, along with interest-free loans of up to ₱250,000 for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Castro clarified that while the measure is not being rejected by the Palace, it is currently not included in the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA).
“Hindi po ito pangit na bill. Maganda po siya pero siyempre kinakailangan pong pag-aralan po iyan kung saan din kukunin iyong budget kasi bago po ito, hindi po siya kasama sa 2026 GAA,” she explained.
She added that the administration remains open to initiatives that may benefit the public, particularly the middle class, but emphasized the need for thorough review and identification of viable funding sources.
According to Castro, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to review the official version of the bill.
“Kung anuman ang kahihinatnan po niyan at makakabuti po ito sa taumbayan especially sa middle class, hindi po naman iyan tututulan ng Pangulo. Pero as of now, kailangang makita po iyong pinaka-version po ng Pangulo,” she said.
Malacañang reiterated that while the proposal appears beneficial, fiscal sustainability and clear funding mechanisms remain key considerations before any final decision is made.