President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday announced the expansion of government assistance programs and proposed tax relief measures aimed at easing the financial burden on millions of Filipinos, particularly vulnerable families, workers and small businesses.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at the Batasang Pambansa Complex, Marcos said the government has earmarked more than PHP60 billion for assistance programs until the end of the year to help Filipinos cope with continuing economic challenges.

“Hanggang kailangan, asahan ninyo na hindi titigil ang pagsuporta ng pamahalaan. Naglaan tayo ng mahigit PHP60 bilyon para dito, hanggang katapusan ng taon (As long as it is needed, you can count on the government’s support to continue. We have allocated more than PHP60 billion for this purpose until the end of the year),” Marcos said.

He added that funds recovered from alleged irregularities in government projects would be redirected to programs that directly benefit the public.

Marcos said the government would recalibrate its assistance programs to cover more Filipinos in need, including beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Walang Gutom Program.

The expanded assistance, he said, is expected to reach around 3.5 million beneficiaries of the two programs, 1.5 million minimum wage earners who are members of the Social Security System, and 2.5 million poor Filipinos who have yet to receive government aid.

The President said continued assistance would also be extended to the transport sector, farmers and other agriculture stakeholders, and overseas Filipino workers affected by global uncertainties.

“Kung susumahin, mahigit pito’t kalahating milyong pamilya na lubos na nangangailangan ang matutulungan natin sa mabigat na kabanatang ito (In total, we will be able to assist more than 7.5 million families who are in great need during this difficult chapter),” he said.

Aside from expanding social protection programs, Marcos said the government is also seeking to provide relief to the middle class and small businesses, which continue to feel the effects of economic disruptions.

“So, to ensure the continued progress of the middle class amidst the lingering effects of the crisis, we will pursue tax relief measures that promote growth, generate revenue, and advance equity toward socio-economic sustainability,” he said.

The President urged Congress to pass measures that would expand income tax exemptions to workers earning not more than PHP350,000 annually and reduce income tax rates for other workers.

He said the proposed reforms also seek to remove the minimum corporate income tax for small businesses and grant tax amnesty covering unpaid income tax, estate and donor’s tax, value-added tax and related penalties.

“Kaya bilang natatanging proteksyon sa kanila at para mas mapakinabangan nila ang pinaghirapan nilang kita, nanawagan ako sa Kongreso na maipasa ang batas na magbibigay ng bahagyang ginhawa para sa ating bayaring buwis (Therefore, as a special form of protection for them and to allow them to benefit more from their hard-earned income, I call on Congress to pass legislation that will provide some relief from our tax obligations),” he said.

Marcos also underscored lessons learned from recent crises, citing the importance of strengthening national security, ensuring food and energy stability, maintaining strong international relations, and enhancing the government’s capacity to respond swiftly and effectively during emergencies.

He said these lessons have enabled the government to improve its response to the needs of Filipinos, particularly those belonging to vulnerable sectors. (PNA)