* Calls for cheaper food, fares and electricity
Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go urged the national government to intensify efforts to ease the financial burden on Filipino families and restore consumer purchasing power following a new economic assessment warning that the country’s recovery could take longer than previously expected.
London-based research firm BMI, a unit of Fitch Solutions, recently lowered its Philippine economic growth forecast for 2026 to 2.6 percent from 3 percent and its 2027 projection to 4 percent from 4.5 percent, citing weak household spending, persistent inflation, and delays in infrastructure projects.
According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the economy grew by only 2.1 percent in the third quarter, while inflation accelerated to 7.8 percent in October, adding pressure on household budgets.
“Dasal ko talaga na makabalik na tayo sa normal na pamumuhay, na makabangon na ang ating ekonomiya at gumaan na ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino. Pero nakakabahala itong mga bagong pag-aaral ng mga eksperto na nagsasabing baka matagalan pa ang ating pagbangon,” Go said.
“Kaya nakikiusap ako sa ating national government, kailangan nating kumilos agad at unahin ang mga programang direktang makakatulong sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.
The senator emphasized that household consumption plays an important role in sustaining economic activity. When families have sufficient income to purchase goods and services, businesses can maintain sales, support employment, and contribute to economic growth. However, rising prices and limited disposable income can force consumers to reduce spending, affecting small businesses, workers, and the broader economy.
“Paano makakabangon ang ating ekonomiya kung hirap na hirap nang gumastos ang karaniwang Pilipino? Kailangan nating buhayin ang negosyo at komersyo, pero paano bibili ang mga tao kung wala na nga silang panggastos? Kapag ang buong kita ay nauubos sa pagkain, pamasahe, kuryente, at iba pang bayarin, wala nang natitira para sa ibang pangangailangan. Kaya dapat tulungan muna nating makahinga ang ating mga kababayan,” Go emphasized.
Go called for coordinated government action to stabilize essential commodity prices, address high transportation and electricity costs, protect agricultural production, and strengthen employment and livelihood opportunities. He also urged economic managers to ensure the timely implementation of necessary public infrastructure projects while maintaining transparency and accountability in government spending.
In line with these efforts, Go filed Senate Bill No. 175, or the proposed ₱100 Daily Minimum Wage Increase Act, which seeks to raise the daily minimum wage of private-sector workers nationwide, and Senate Bill No. 177, or the proposed Rural Employment Assistance Program Act, to provide temporary employment opportunities for disadvantaged workers. He also filed Senate Bill No. 2033, or the proposed Fuel Crisis Immediate Relief and Response Act, which seeks to provide emergency economic relief through measures including fuel subsidies, assistance for commuters, and temporary relief on utility payments.
To support local businesses, Go also authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11960, or the One Town, One Product Philippines Act, which promotes the development of micro, small, and medium enterprises and strengthens local economic opportunities.
“Bawat piso ay mahalaga ngayon, lalo na sa mga pamilyang sapat lang ang kinikita para sa pang-araw-araw. Kapag nakatipid sila kahit kaunti sa pagkain, pamasahe, o bayarin, malaking bagay na po iyon para sa kanilang pamilya,” he stressed.
Go reiterated that restoring economic confidence requires concrete improvements in the daily lives of Filipinos, particularly workers, farmers, fisherfolk, drivers, small entrepreneurs, and low-income households.
“Ang panalangin ko ay makabangon tayong lahat sa hirap ng panahon ngayon. Sana maramdaman ng ating mga kababayan na unti-unting bumababa ang kanilang gastusin, dumarami ang oportunidad sa trabaho, at nagiging sapat ang kanilang kinikita. Kaya patuloy akong nananawagan na unahin natin ang mga programang makakapagpagaan sa buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” he concluded.
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