Senate President Win Gatchalian said the upper chamber will prioritize key economic measures aimed at addressing the country’s rising cost of living, increasing workers’ take-home pay, reducing electricity costs, improving infrastructure, and creating more jobs.
In his speech during the opening of the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress, Gatchalian said the Senate’s legislative agenda will focus on the five major concerns he mentioned.
“The most urgent point of concern, therefore, is getting the Philippine economy back on track. To this end, this Congress will prioritize legislation aimed at invigorating the nation’s economy in support of this administration’s objective,” the Senate chief said.
“Genuine economic recovery cannot be measured by growth figures alone.”
“Furthermore, genuine economic recovery cannot be measured by growth figures alone. It must be felt in the things that really matter: affordable goods and services, secure jobs, and food on the table,” the veteran legislator added.
The seasoned lawmaker emphasized the need for the timely passage of the 2027 national budget, which he described as “our most powerful tool for stimulating the economy.” He said the budget must be passed on time to ensure that funding reaches critical government services and that new projects can begin as scheduled.
“Reforms must continue so our people can see that the government is accountable and reliable.”
“The Senate also introduced significant transparency and accountability reforms in the 2026 budget process, including the live streaming of the bicameral conference and the uploading of all budget documents to the Senate Transparency Portal. These reforms must continue so our people can see that the government is accountable and reliable,” Gatchalian added.
Among the measures the Senate will prioritize are amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law to ensure adequate rice supply and affordable prices while protecting farmers’ livelihoods, and the Ginhawa Bill, which seeks to increase workers’ take-home pay.
To address high electricity rates, Gatchalian said the Senate will prioritize the ERC Strengthening Bill, which aims to improve regulatory oversight and accountability in the power industry and protect consumers.
He added that the chamber will also pursue amendments to the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act to increase transparency in pump price components and determine whether price increases are justified by global market conditions and legitimate costs.
On infrastructure, Gatchalian identified the Master Plan for Infrastructure and National Development Bill as another priority measure. He explained that the proposed 30-year plan seeks to coordinate major infrastructure projects, including roads, airports, hospitals, and energy pipelines, to create jobs, attract investments, and support long-term economic growth.
The Senate will likewise prioritize amendments to the Magna Carta for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to help businesses gain easier access to financing, credit guarantees, shared services, machinery, and technical support.
Gatchalian also 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 Filipinos.
