In the Public Square: How to help the poor and the middle class

It’s been five weeks since the start of Trump’s war on Iran, and we are increasingly feeling the effects; it’s like we are drowning, but in slow motion.

In the wake of the Marcos administration’s weak crisis response, our timelines have been consumed by debates about the best way to help the poor — and, let’s not forget, the struggling middle class as well. What, really, is the best way to help a drowning person? 

To clarify the situation, and the options open to policymakers and decisionmakers and lifeguards alike, Rappler columnist John Nery is joined by economist JC Punongbayan. He is also an assistant professor at the University of the Philippines School of Economics, the author of the bestselling False Nostalgia, and a Rappler columnist.

Watch the episode on Wednesday, April 8, at 8 pm. – Rappler.com