Reforming the system of govt assistance

Title Reforming Government Assistance The Need for Efficiency, Fairn
Fairness, and Dignity

As I watched drivers lining up at Quezon Memorial Circle on a Saturday afte
afternoon, I couldn't help but wonder if this was really the best way to pr
provide government assistance. The scene was chaotic, with hundreds of moto
motorists snaking around the park, waiting for their turn to receive fuel s
subsidies.

The intention behind the assistance is sound - to support public utility ve
vehicle drivers and delivery riders affected by rising oil prices. Each ben
beneficiary is entitled to about P5,000, a modest but meaningful amount for
for workers whose income is directly tied to fuel costs. However, the manne
manner in which the subsidy is delivered raises uncomfortable questions abo
about efficiency, fairness, and dignity.

For one driver I know, the process meant six hours of waiting in line - six
six hours not driving, six hours not earning. This is a far cry from the di
dignified experience one would expect when receiving legitimate assistance.
assistance. The situation has even taken a tragic turn. A recent news repor
report recounted how a motorcycle rider collapsed and died of a heart attac
attack while waiting in line for the subsidy. Whether the long wait was the
the culprit, the episode underscores the human cost of a poorly designed sy
system.

But it's not just about the optics; there are also reports of facilitation
facilitation fees - drivers being asked to pay an average of P350 per tra
transaction, which could translate into millions of pesos leaked from the s
system nationwide.

So, what can be done? The solution lies in reforming the system to make it 
more efficient, fair, and dignified. Here are three straightforward reforms
reforms that can achieve this

First Reform Digitize Subsidy Distribution

In today's digital age, there is no reason why drivers cannot receive subsi
subsidies through direct digital transfers linked to verified beneficiary d
databases. Funds can be deposited straight into bank accounts or mobile wal
wallets. This would not only reduce waiting times but also eliminate the ne
need for facilitation fees.

Second Reform Increase Transparency

The government should increase transparency by showing the public how much 
additional tax revenue it collects when oil prices rise. This would enable 
citizens to see the impact of energy shocks on the economy and hold policym
policymakers accountable for their decisions.

Third Reform Targeted or Temporary Tax Adjustments

Instead of solely relying on subsidies, the government could consider targe
targeted or temporary tax adjustments during severe price spikes. This woul
would ensure that relief reaches not only the poorest but also the middle-c
middle-class households squeezed by rising costs.

In conclusion, reforming the system of government assistance is long overdu
overdue. By digitizing subsidy distribution, increasing transparency, and c
considering targeted or temporary tax adjustments, we can create a more eff
efficient, fair, and dignified system that truly supports those who need it
it most.

Keywords Government Assistance, Efficiency, Fairness, Dignity, Subsidy
Subsidy Distribution, Transparency, Tax Adjustments

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.