Government moves to protect 6.5 million Pinoys lifted from poverty
The Philippine government is implementing economic measures to protect the middle class from falling back into poverty following a significant drop in poverty incidence. Proposed policies include tax exemptions for individuals and small businesses, alongside efforts to lower energy costs.
Why it matters
Economic stability for the middle class is a key metric for national development and long-term poverty reduction strategies.
MANILA, Philippines - The government will make sure 6.5 million Filipinos from the middle class will not slide back into poverty by accelerating programs aimed at creating more jobs, raising incomes and lowering cost of living, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said yesterday.
Recto's pronouncement came after the release of a recent survey by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showing poverty incidence dropping from 15.5 percent or 17.5 million in 2023 to 9.7 percent or 11 million in 2025.
"That is the marching order of the President: support the middle class and prevent 6.5 million Filipinos from sliding back into the zone of poverty," Recto said.
"The work goes on," he added as the Middle East crisis continues, posing risks to fuel and food prices, trade, employment and economic growth.
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