Inter-agency response needed to protect jobs, MSMEsWorkers continue construction duties despite the heat along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on April 26, 2023. MANILA, Philippines — Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is urging the government to immediately mobilize an inter-agency response to protect jobs and extend financial lifelines to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) struggling with the economic fallout of the Middle East conflict. “Higher fuel costs could trigger more layoffs and hiring freezes, especially in sectors that rely heavily on transport, power and delivery,” the senator pointed out. To mitigate business closures and job losses, Gatchalian proposed providing concessional credit and temporary operating support for MSMEs heavily exposed to fuel price spikes. This includes P1.965 billion in unobligated allotments for MSME programs under the 2026 General Appropriations Act and another P309.9 million in continuing appropriations from the 2025 budget.

Source: Philippine Star April 11, 2026 16:34 UTC