Addressing high costs of basic goods, electricity tops Senate agenda

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian. INQUIRER PHOTO / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA MANILA, Philippines — Aside from ensuring the timely passage of the 2027 national budget, the Senate will also focus on key priority measures that address urgent concerns of Filipinos, such as the high costs of basic goods and electricity, workers’ low pay, and job security. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said this as he presided over the opening of the second regular session of the 20th Congress on Monday. READ: Congress convenes for 2nd regular session Article continues after this advertisement READ: Corruption, food prices top Sona issues in polls “Your Senate stands ready to confront the nation’s challenges with a clear sense of purpose and decisive action. We hear the concerns of every Filipino, and we understand the burdens they face in their daily lives,” Gatchalian said in Filipino. “That is why every measure we pursue must provide concrete solutions to the people’s needs and create more opportunities for them to achieve their aspirations,” he added. Saying the national budget is the “most powerful tool for stimulating the economy,” the Senate chief said it is “imperative” that next year’s national budget be passed on time. “Its timely passage allows funding to reach critical services and ensures that new projects can begin as scheduled and meet their deadlines,” he added. Article continues after this advertisement Gatchalian then identified the following priorities of the Senate: the high cost of basic goods, workers’ low take-home pay, expensive electricity rates, inadequate infrastructure and transportation, and job insecurity. To address the continued rise in food prices, the Senate will prioritize amendments to the proposed Rice Tariffication Law, which was also listed as a priority measure of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac). Article continues after this advertisement The chamber will also ensure that the National Food Authority maintains an adequate rice reserve while protecting the income and livelihoods of farmers, according to the Senate chief. Another priority of the Senate is the Ginhawa Bill, which seeks to exempt those earning up to P400,000 annually from paying income tax. “Its goal is simple: to increase the take-home pay of our workers,” Gatchalian said in Filipino. “We will also raise the tax-free ceiling for bonuses. In addition, we will remove taxes on overtime pay, holiday pay, night-shift differential pay, hazard pay, and service charges,” he added. To address the rising cost of electricity, the Senate will pursue two Ledac measures—the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) Strengthening bill and the proposed Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act. Other priority measures identified by Senate leadership, meanwhile, will focus on accelerating infrastructure spending and strengthening micro, small, and medium enterprises. “The five aspects we have discussed are closely interconnected. Reforms in one area have effects that ripple into others. Strong coordination is therefore essential to ensure that the laws we pass are relevant, coherent, and effective,” Gatchalian said. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. He then proposed the creation of an ad hoc committee “tasked with helping drive economic growth, create jobs, and make the cost of living more affordable for every Filipino.” /mcm