‘We’re tired of promises’: Business owners call for real relief

“Wala pa rin?,” Po wrote. “Every cost in my business is climbing. My sales? Not keeping up,” pointing out that customers are also struggling financially, limiting businesses’ ability to pass on higher costs.

His post offers a glimpse into the difficulties facing businesses trying to maintain operations and employment while managing rising expenses. It also prompts a question for smaller enterprises that may have fewer financial resources to fall back on.

Po questioned the government’s repeated promises of support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), saying entrepreneurs need lower operating costs and accessible assistance rather than programs burdened by lengthy requirements and approval processes.

Several individuals echoed those concerns, with one saying a loan application with Small Business Corp., a government-owned financing institution under the Department of Trade and Industry, took three months to review before being rejected over an adverse finding that was never explained to the applicant.

The specific circumstances of the application remain unverified.

Po said businesses continue to provide jobs and pay taxes while trying to stay afloat despite mounting expenses.

“We’re tired of promises. We want to see results,” Po said.

Po’s post highlights the challenge of helping businesses of different sizes manage rising operating costs, keep prices affordable for customers, and sustain jobs, putting the reach and effectiveness of government assistance under scrutiny.

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