Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has recommended including minimum wage earners in government aid programs as the country grapples with rising fuel costs.

In his preliminary report as chair of the Senate Committee on Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT), Gatchalian proposed a monthly financial assistance of ₱1,500 for affected workers.

The senator said the measure would help cushion the impact of the ongoing oil crisis, which has driven up transportation and basic commodity prices. The proposed assistance for minimum wage earners is estimated to cost the government around ₱7.5 billion per month.

Gatchalian also recommended providing additional aid to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), suggesting a similar top-up to further support vulnerable households. The expanded assistance could reach about ₱15.75 billion over a three-month period.

Copies of the preliminary report have been distributed to fellow lawmakers and key government agencies, including the Department of Energy, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, and Malacañang for review and possible action despite the Senate’s current recess.