House to Prioritize Bills on System Loss Charge Removal, Income Tax Relief

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives will prioritize the passage of bills removing the system loss charge from electricity bills and giving income tax relief to Filipino taxpayers, particularly the middle class, as outlined by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA). “Our duty now is to turn these into laws,” Speaker Martin Romualdez said in a statement, referring to the President’s pronouncements. Romualdez said the House would prioritize measures that would “directly benefit the people” and “ease their financial burdens.” Among these are the proposed legislation to remove the system loss charge from electricity bills and the proposed legislation to provide income tax relief to Filipinos, particularly the middle class. “These measures are crucial for alleviating the financial burdens of our citizens, especially during these times of economic uncertainty and rising inflation,” Romualdez said. He added that the House would work closely with the executive branch to ensure that these bills are passed “swiftly and efficiently.” The proposed legislation to remove the system loss charge from electricity bills aims to reduce the cost of electricity for consumers. The system loss charge is a component of electricity bills that covers the cost of electricity lost during transmission and distribution. The proposed legislation to provide income tax relief to Filipinos aims to reduce the tax burden on individuals, particularly those in the middle class. The proposed legislation would adjust the income tax brackets to provide tax relief to middle-income earners. Romualdez expressed confidence that these measures would help boost the economy and improve the lives of Filipinos. “By reducing the financial burdens of our citizens, we can encourage more spending and investment, which will lead to economic growth and job creation,” he said. He added that the House would also prioritize other measures that would benefit the people, such as those that would improve the country’s infrastructure and healthcare system. “We are committed to working for the welfare of the Filipino people and to ensure that our country becomes a better place to live in,” Romualdez said.