Senate President Win Gatchalian welcomed the President’s strong focus on easing the economic burden on Filipino families and strengthening the country’s competitiveness. He, however, said that the administration’s economic agenda must translate into concrete reforms.
“Tuloy-tuloy ang bigat na dala ng mataas na singil sa kuryente, mahal na bilihin, at mga hamon sa pandaigdigang ekonomiya sa mga pamilyang Pilipino. Ang mas malaking hamon ay gawing konkretong reporma ang pangakong maiibsan ang mga ito upang guminhawa ang buhay ng ating mga kababayan,” Gatchalian said.
The Senate President particularly welcomed the President’s call to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) by removing system loss charges from consumers’ electricity bills, a reform that Gatchalian himself has long been pushing to provide immediate relief to households and businesses.
Gatchalian also expressed support for the proposed “Sariling Kuryente Act,” which seeks to expand the adoption of rooftop solar and battery storage to strengthen the country’s energy security.
“Affordable, reliable, and secure energy is one of the strongest foundations of a competitive economy. Lower power costs encourage investments, help businesses expand, create quality jobs, and improve the purchasing power of Filipino households,” he said.
Beyond energy reforms, Gatchalian said sustained investments in infrastructure, agriculture, logistics, digitalization, and strategic industries, as outlined in the 2026 SONA, will be critical to attracting more investments and creating quality jobs, provided these initiatives are implemented efficiently.
He also echoed the President’s call for providing tax relief to middle-income earners and small businesses. “The middle class has carried much of the economic burden in recent years. Meaningful tax relief, coupled with lower electricity costs and better employment opportunities, will strengthen consumer spending and support economic growth,” Gatchalian said.
Overall, Gatchalian said the Senate remains committed to advancing reforms that will make the Philippine economy more competitive and resilient while ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are felt by every Filipino family.
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Photo by Mark Cayabyab / OS WIN GATCHALIAN
