Senate President says new session will prioritize cost of living, jobs, power rates

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday said the Senate will focus on its new session measures that seek to ease the financial burden on Filipinos by lowering the cost of living, increasing workers' income, improving infrastructure, reducing electricity prices, and expanding employment opportunities.

Speaking at the opening of the new session on July 27, Gatchalian said lawmakers must concentrate on reviving the economy through legislation that produces tangible benefits for ordinary Filipinos.

“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,” he added.

Among the chamber's immediate priorities, Gatchalian identified the timely approval of the proposed 2027 national budget, describing it as the government's primary instrument for driving economic activity and ensuring uninterrupted delivery of public services and infrastructure projects.

He also committed to preserving transparency reforms introduced during deliberations on the 2026 spending plan, including the public livestreaming of bicameral conference committee meetings and the publication of budget documents through the Senate Transparency Portal.

Gatchalian said the Senate will likewise pursue amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law to help stabilize rice prices while safeguarding farmers' welfare, alongside the proposed Ginhawa Bill, which seeks to raise workers' take-home pay.

To address persistent concerns over electricity costs, he said lawmakers will prioritize the proposed ERC Strengthening Bill to enhance oversight of the power sector, improve regulatory accountability, and better protect consumers.

The Senate will also seek changes to the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act to require greater transparency in fuel pricing and determine whether pump price increases are supported by global market conditions and legitimate operating costs.

For long-term development, Gatchalian said the chamber will work on the proposed Master Plan for Infrastructure and National Development Bill, which aims to establish a coordinated 30-year blueprint for major infrastructure projects, including roads, airports, hospitals, and energy facilities, to spur investments and employment.

The Senate also plans to amend the Magna Carta for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to expand MSMEs' access to financing, credit guarantees, equipment, shared services, and technical assistance.

Gatchalian likewise proposed creating an ad hoc Senate committee dedicated to identifying legislative solutions that would accelerate economic growth, generate jobs, and help make everyday expenses more affordable for Filipino families.