MANILA, Philippines — The government is studying the possible rollout of a P50.8-billion wage subsidy program to help small businesses and their workers affected by the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) imposed to stop the spread of COVID-19. The program may involve a wage subsidy of up to P8,000 per eligible worker for up to two months, which will cost the government around P50.8 billion over the whole period. “To date, 16 out of the 295 targeted micro and small enterprises have signified their intent to avail of the program,” Duterte said. Meanwhile, the President likewise reported that the Bureau of Treasury is working with the Social Security System (SSS) to implement a proposed P45-billion wage subsidy assistance for employees of eligible businesses. Duterte, however, did not elaborate on the planned wage subsidy assistance.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 13, 2020 14:01 UTC