IBON Foundation Executive Director Sonny Africa warned in an interview on One Balita on One PH that inflation could double in the coming months, pushing 2 to 3 million Filipino families below the poverty line.
He said household incomes are already insufficient to cover basic needs, forcing families to cut back on spending, including food, which drives them further into poverty.
Africa noted that more than 18 million families were already poor at the start of the year, even before external shocks.
He stressed that government aid remains short-term, inadequate, and fails to reach all those in need.
He also challenged President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to retract his earlier statement that the situation was “normal” and that Filipinos should simply adjust, arguing that only the wealthy can absorb rising costs while the majority are struggling.
Africa highlighted the transport sector as among the hardest hit.
According to him, 2.2 million transport workers are affected, including 1.7 million tricycle drivers, 250,000 jeepney drivers, and 200,000 motorcycle drivers, delivery riders, UV Express, and TNVS operators.
Jeepney drivers alone face an additional ₱1,300 in fuel costs, eating into their earnings after boundary payments. Yet the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said only 360,000 transport workers will receive assistance, leaving more than 1.8 million without support.
Africa added that farmers and fisherfolk are also suffering, leading to higher food prices. He criticized the government for passing the burden onto the poor instead of implementing fairer solutions.
IBON reiterated its proposal for a 1–3% tax on the wealthiest Filipinos, noting that seven of the country’s 320 legislators are billionaires. # (ZIA LUNA)
