ON APRIL 8, thousands of tricycle drivers in the Negros Island Region (NIR) received P5,000 in “ayuda” from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
This assistance came as a government subsidy for tricycle drivers who have been severely affected by the ongoing fuel crisis triggered by tensions in the Middle East.
Indeed, there was a mix — a derby — of emotions: many wept, others smiled as they received the P5,000 aid, which is undeniably relevant in these trying times.
On the other hand, envy has begun to bloom. Online, a widely circulating line reads: “Crisis makes the rich richer, while taxpayers — the middle class — get poorer.”
What is the gist of this statement?
The “rich” here refers to politicians, who are allegedly enriching themselves even as the fuel crisis ravages the country — amassing money under the guise of “ayuda” through a so-called “cut-and-pocket” philosophy.
Meanwhile, the middle class is composed of minimum-wage earners, professionals — mostly in government or private firms — as well as micro, small, and medium enterprise (MSME) owners.
In short, they are the ones filling the government’s coffers.
‘UNFAIRNESS’
Then comes the issue of perceived unfairness. Tricycle drivers — many of whom are not taxpayers — are receiving aid. Thus, members of the middle class are naga-alburuto.
Their contention is valid: amid a nationwide fuel crisis, they too are struggling. But sadly, they receive nothing from the government.
Their frustration is now deafening. More so when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday, April 9, that aside from the ayuda given to tricycle drivers, another P8 billion would be released for barangays nationwide.
For many, this is a blatant display of “unfairness” — ignoring the middle class at the height of a crisis that is wreaking economic havoc.
‘WILD CARD’
Looking at the present scenario, particularly in the distribution of ayuda, the middle class appears to be nothing yet. As if it is merely a “wild card” — a joker — in a poker game.
A joker, as we all know, can represent any card and can be crucial to winning.
In this fuel crisis, the middle class plays a similar role: consistently paying taxes, a significant portion of which funds ayuda — some of which allegedly ends up in the pockets of politicians and benefits non-taxpaying sectors.
And the winners?
Politicians — and non-taxpaying citizens.
FEELABLE
Thus arise two simple yet striking questions from the middle class:
* What about us?
* Where is the government amid our own struggles?
These are understandable — deeply feelable — concerns.
Let’s be precise. The rising prices of basic vegetables — talong, alugbati, okra, and others — spare no one.Worse still are the soaring fuel costs. So why does the government appear selective in distributing ayuda?
Reality hits hard. Hence, the increasingly loud — and, to some extent, justified — outcry from the middle class.
INTENSE DEBATES
“Ayuda” programs in the country — whether 4Ps, TUPAD, AICS, or others — have now become subjects of intense debate: in the Senate, in Congress, in barbershops, markets, and even on the streets.
Why? Because, once again, the middle class feels overtaxed yet neglected when it comes to assistance.
The issue now boils down to this:
What is the best initiative the government can implement to address the “unfairness” in the ayuda system amid an economic crunch fueled by the ongoing fuel crisis?
First, the government must exercise prudence in spending.
Second, it must ensure that its measures benefit all sectors — not just a select few — in the distribution of ayuda.
Otherwise, public condemnation will be the inevitable consequence.
If politicians misstep in handling these ayuda programs, the repercussions could be severe — especially with the 2028 elections already on the horizon.
Today, with the rise of social media — particularly platforms like Facebook — people have become more outspoken and emboldened.
In just seconds, a single relatable — yet biting — comment can go viral and shape public opinion.
And that, in turn, can influence elections.
So here’s a friendly reminder to those in power:
Do not treat real taxpayers as “jokers” in this time of fuel crisis.
That would be a grave mistake.
Balikda man sila, please!/PN
