Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 11) — The chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee has proposed a program to help millions of people whose jobs have been affected by quarantine restrictions.
Albay Representative Joey Salceda said the Payroll Support for Workers, Entrepreneurs, and Self-employed (PSWES) Program would cover 5.98 million workers for small and medium enterprises, sole entrepreneurs, and freelancers.
In a statement on Saturday, Salceda said he had written to President Rodrigo Duterte to propose the program which will “provide relief to formal economy workers, entrepreneurs, and self-employed individuals, who typically belong to the middle class.
Salceda said income support would also be provided “for freelancers and those in the gig economy who were unable to earn income due to the ECQ.”
He added that the country needed these enterprises to operate “so it’s essential for the economy and for job preservation that we lend them a helping hand.”
Salceda’s proposes for the wage subsidy to be distributed for three months.
It is estimated that those belonging to these sectors earn an average of ₱9,500 per month. The wage subsidy proposed by the congressman, however, is for only about a quarter to a third of the amount.
“The cost of supporting their income, at ₱2500 to ₱3000 per month for two months, is ₱44.85 to ₱53.82 billion.” Salceda said.
Salceda said the Social Security System with the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Department of Labor and Employment could be tapped to distribute most of the aid for formal economy workers.
Along with the subsidy, Salceda is also suggesting that freelancers be accredited by the state.
“I’m also proposing that we couple the open-application process for freelancers with cost-free BIR and SSS registration. That way, they are able to see the full benefits of being accredited with the state, while also being able to contribute in future years when they are in better conditions,” Salceda said.