Palace Considers Urgent Certification for Tax Reform, EPIRA Amendment Bills

MALACAÑANG on Wednesday said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. might certify tax reform and Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) amendment bills as urgent after reviewing the measures. “The only thing needed is for the President to see the bills. Once he has seen them, those will definitely be certified as urgent,” Palace Press Officer Clarissa A. Castro told reporters. Under the Constitution, bills certified as urgent may be approved on second and third reading on the same day. Mr. Marcos urged Congress during his State of the Nation Address to pass tax relief measures and amend EPIRA to lower electricity costs by removing system loss charges. Ms. Castro also said the administration would not pursue nuclear energy unless safety standards and international requirements are fully met. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking