Families Struggle Despite 0.9 Percent Headline Inflation Rate
MANILA, Philippines — The 0.9 percent headline inflation rate recorded in July 2025, the lowest in nearly six years, offers little relief to many Filipino families. ACT Teachers party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio pointed out that this figure means nothing to those who cannot even afford the cheapest rice.
Tinio emphasized that while the government celebrates the decline, many households living below the poverty line continue to suffer. A recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey revealed that 49 percent of Filipinos still consider themselves poor.
“What does the 0.9 percent inflation rate mean to families that cannot buy rice even at P20 per kilogram?” Tinio asked, highlighting the ongoing hardship despite official statistics.
Price Drops Don’t Ease Daily Burdens
Even though inflation has slowed, essential goods remain expensive. Tinio said, “While the Marcos Jr. administration boasts of its statistical achievements, the truth is that the majority of Filipinos are still mired in poverty. Prices of rice, vegetables, fish, meat, electricity, water, and rent remain high, even if the inflation rate has gone down.” This stark reality contrasts with the government’s optimistic reports.
According to local leaders, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported that inflation declined to 0.9 percent in July from 1.4 percent in June. This decrease is attributed to softer utility costs and falling food prices. Notably, this is the lowest inflation rate since October 2019 and below economists’ predictions of 1.1 percent.
Government Praises Inflation Control
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez praised the six-year low inflation figure, interpreting it as a sign of success in tackling rising prices. He said, “This means that the administration of President BBM, with the help of Congress, principally the House of Representatives, has successfully tamed inflation. The inflation rate is not just a number. It represents more Filipino families being able to afford rice and basic food items, more Filipinos being able to fight hunger.”
Critics Question Government’s Priorities
Despite these statements, critics like Tinio argue that President Marcos Jr. failed to address the pressing issues of high costs, poverty, unemployment, low wages, flooding, and human rights concerns during his last State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 28.
Tinio pointed out that the government’s promise to reduce rice prices to P20 per kilogram remains out of reach for many. He said in Filipino, “In President Marcos Jr.’s Sona, he did not mention any fundamental steps toward long-term solutions to the people’s demands for higher wages and cheaper food.”
“The Filipino people are tired and hungry. They work double time and juggle multiple jobs, yet their earnings are still not enough to cover their family’s needs,” he added.
Inflation Trends Over Recent Years
After facing high inflation during late 2022 and early 2023, the government has seen a gradual decrease since September 2024, when inflation hit 1.9 percent—the slowest pace since May 2020. In the months that followed, inflation rates continued to ease: 1.8 percent in March 2025, 1.4 percent in April 2025, and 1.3 percent in June 2025.
Despite these improvements, the lived experience of many Filipinos remains difficult as they struggle with the high prices of daily necessities.
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