Iza Aldana
Feb 18, 2026
Senator says fast, politics-free assistance must go hand in hand with jobs, small business growth, and stronger communities
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano expressed support for simplifying public access to government assistance under Senate Bill No. 155, also known as the Simplified Government Aid Access Act, stressing that immediate relief must be paired with long-term programs that help families and small businesses stand on their own.
Cayetano said faster, easier, and politics-free aid is crucial, especially during emergencies such as illness and urgent household needs. However, he warned against a system that leaves Filipinos dependent on dole-outs.
“Aid should be quick and fair, especially in times of crisis—but it should not stop there,” Cayetano said.
From a community perspective, the senator emphasized the need to strengthen entrepreneurship, access to capital, education, and health services so families can build sustainable livelihoods and reduce long-term reliance on government assistance.
He added that empowering small businesses and local entrepreneurs creates jobs within communities, allowing households not just to survive emergencies, but to recover and grow with dignity.
Cayetano said true social protection balances immediate help with lasting opportunities, ensuring that government aid becomes a bridge to self-sufficiency—not a permanent crutch.
