MANILA – The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) on Wednesday said it will continue to push for programs to help the poor amid rising inflation in recent months.

In a statement, NEDA said it will push for the passage of the Rice Tariffication Act, "speed up the implementation" of unconditional cash transfers (UCT), fuel subsidies for jeepney drivers, the PUV modernization program, and investments in infrastructure.

Inflation reached 4.6 percent in May, staying at its highest level in over 5 years.

“We remain committed to enabling all Filipino families to live a comfortable, secure, and strongly rooted life,” the NEDA said.

• Inflation holds at 5-year high 4.6 percent in May

During a press briefing on June 5, NEDA showed how a hypothetical P10,000 monthly budget for a family of 5 could be affected by the 4.6 inflation rate.

“Gusto nating malaman ano ba talaga ang nakaapekto or naapektuhan ng malaking inflation, alin ba talaga dito mas kino-consume ng mga tao. Kaya ang ginagawa ko noon, kunwari ang budget is P10,000 a month, papaano ba ito hinahati,” NEDA Undersecretary Rosemarie Edillon said.

(We want to know the effect of higher inflation, the most consumed by the people. What I did was make example, for a P10,000 budget, how is it being divided.)

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Nestor Espenilla earlier said the outlook continues to be a concern and “requires close attention.”

Meanwhile, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno assured the public that the government is taking steps "to address the difficulties experienced by Filipino families today" due to rising prices.

• Inflation concerns remain, BSP to 'consider' further adjustments: Espenilla