MANILA, Philippines — The Senate will push five key legislative measures designed to support the Marcos administration’s economic agenda while addressing the rising cost of living, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian announced Monday as the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress formally opened.
In his opening address, Gatchalian emphasized that the Senate’s legislative agenda would focus on delivering practical solutions to the everyday challenges faced by Filipino families.
“Our work begins with the economy because meaningful national progress cannot be achieved while many families continue to struggle with their daily needs,” he said.
The Senate’s priority measures will focus on lowering food prices, boosting workers’ purchasing power, reducing electricity costs, improving infrastructure and transportation, and creating more secure employment opportunities.
According to Gatchalian, economic gains should not be measured solely through growth figures but by tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Filipinos.
To help stabilize rice prices while protecting local farmers, the Senate intends to amend the Rice Tariffication Law and strengthen the National Food Authority’s capacity to maintain sufficient rice reserves. He noted that the average price of regular-milled rice has climbed by nearly 20 percent over the past year.
The chamber will also prioritize the proposed Ginhawa Bill, which seeks to exempt employees earning up to PHP400,000 annually from income tax and raise the tax-free ceiling for bonuses. The measure also proposes to remove taxes on overtime pay, holiday pay, night-shift differential, hazard pay, and service charges.
“Simple ang layunin nito: dagdagan ang take-home pay ng ating mga manggagawa,” Gatchalian said.
To address high electricity rates, lawmakers will take up the proposed Energy Regulatory Commission Strengthening Bill. Gatchalian cited a Department of Energy report showing that the Philippines recorded the highest average electricity rates among ASEAN countries in June. The proposed legislation aims to strengthen regulatory oversight, improve accountability within the power sector, and safeguard consumers from excessive charges.
The Senate also plans to amend the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act to require greater transparency in fuel pricing, allowing regulators and consumers to better determine whether pump price increases are justified by actual costs.
On infrastructure, lawmakers will prioritize the proposed Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development Bill, which seeks to establish a 30-year blueprint for developing major roads, airports, hospitals, and energy facilities nationwide. Gatchalian said a long-term infrastructure strategy would help attract investments, create jobs, and sustain economic growth.
Support for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) also forms part of the Senate’s legislative agenda. Proposed amendments to the Magna Carta for MSMEs would expand access to financing, credit guarantees, equipment-sharing programs, and technical assistance, while increasing their participation in government projects and ensuring faster payment for services.
Gatchalian likewise proposed creating an ad hoc committee that would coordinate legislative efforts related to economic growth, employment generation, and the rising cost of living.
He stressed that these priorities are interconnected and require sustained reforms beyond a single administration.
The Senate President also pledged to ensure the timely approval of the proposed 2027 national budget and continue transparency initiatives, including livestreaming bicameral conference committee meetings and publishing budget documents through the Senate Transparency Portal.
“Let us build an economy worthy of the strength of our people, one where work provides security, daily needs are within reach, and the fruits of growth are felt in every Filipino home,” Gatchalian said.
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