Philippines Senate Opens Session, Pushing for Swift 2027 Budget Approval and Economic Recovery

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Senate has opened its second regular session, with Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian advocating for the timely passage of the 2027 national budget and urgent economic recovery. In his opening address, Gatchalian stated that the national budget is the "most powerful tool" to stimulate the Philippine economy. "Its timely passage allows funding to reach critical services and ensures that new projects can begin as scheduled and meet their deadlines," he said. Gatchalian also laid out five economic issues that the Senate seeks to address in the incoming session: the high prices of basic goods, low take-home pay for workers, high electricity costs, inadequate infrastructure and transportation, and livelihood insecurity. Among the priority measures Gatchalian identified are amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law, the proposed GINHAWA Bill to address income tax issues, amendments to the Oil Industry Deregulation Act, the proposed Master Plan for Infrastructure and National Development (MIND) Act to coordinate infrastructure projects, and reforms to the Magna Carta for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). "Strengthening our economy requires a concerted effort, proactive action, and reforms that will endure beyond a single administration," Gatchalian said. Meanwhile, House Speaker Bojie Dy, in his opening remarks at the House of Representatives, said that 163 legislative measures had been passed during the previous session, including 26 priority bills. In the second regular session, Dy said the House will continue to push for reforms and prioritize the passage of measures such as the Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment Act, amendments to the Universal Health Care Act, the Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act, and the Cybersecurity Act. "It is in challenging times like this that our people need their representatives more than ever to house and shelter their most important dreams. Patunayan po natin sa ating kababayan na tayo ay isang Kongresong tumutupad sa ating tungkulin," Dy said. (Let’s prove to our countrymen that we are a Congress that fulfills our duty.)