Talk of the Town: Plugging the poverty gap
December 27, 2025
Comments on “Plugging the poverty gap,” (No Free Lunch by Cielito F. Habito, 12/23/25) via https://opinion.inquirer.net:
Try a living wage of 30K a month for a family of five. Many are not even confident with that amount, arguing that they need to earn up to 50K to cover emergencies and disasters.
Monk Manuel
The real barrier isn’t economics; it’s political will. We have the tools—a national registry, proven models—to close the poverty gap efficiently. What’s missing is the courage to starve the patronage machines and build a state that serves its people, not the politicians. Ending poverty starts not with new plans, but with finally holding power accountable.
Manny Ilao

