Senator Erwin Tulfo cautioned on Tuesday that the economic fallout from the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East could intensify, urging government agencies to coordinate and extend sustained aid to shield vulnerable Filipinos.
As chair of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare, and Rural Development, Tulfo emphasized that government support cannot be a “one-time thing” while global tensions continue to rise.
“Sana po itong ayuda natin. Hindi po ito one-time lang. Kasi that’s what I’m really scared na paano po pa tumagal ito. Paano po umabot ito na hanggang June and we have to prepare and brace ourselves lalo na po yung mga mahihirap na kababayan natin. Yung very vulnerable sectors po yung ating mga manggagawa,” Tulfo said during a hearing on amendments to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the institutionalization of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
He specifically urged agencies to reach the “near-poor”—minimum wage earners such as supermarket baggers, cashiers, janitors, and security guards—who are often excluded from social programs despite being heavily affected by rising costs.
Tulfo also warned of compounded pressures once the school year resumes, noting that tuition, school supplies, and basic goods will further burden families already struggling with inflation.
“Ngayon, bakasyon pa ang mga bata. Pero paano pagbalik nila sa eskwela? Double whammy ito—pasan na ng mga magulang ang matrikula, sasabay pa ang taas-presyo ng bilihin at gamit sa school,” he added.
The senator underscored that accurate targeting of aid and long-term planning are crucial to help families weather the economic shocks linked to global instability.