(MANILA BULLETIN)

Tempering the runaway prices of basic goods through legislation--that's the mission statement of Galing sa Puso (GP) Party-list, which is eyeing a seat in the House of Representatives in the upcoming mid-term polls.

Lawyer JP Padiernos, GP Party-list’s first nominee, underscored the urgent need for legislative action in a bid to control price hikes and improve supply chain management. 

He added that these measures were critical in relieving the pressure on consumers, particularly those with low income.

"This issue needs immediate attention. Many Filipinos, especially those in lower-income brackets, are struggling with the rising costs of goods. This should not be happening in a country like ours, which is rich in agricultural resources," Padiernos said in a statement. 

While acknowledging that global factors contribute to inflation, Padiernos insisted that the Philippine government can mitigate the effects through well-targeted legislative measures. 

"We can control the impact of inflation through effective policy. We must ensure that supply chains run efficiently and that the movement of essential goods is not impeded by unnecessary barriers or inefficiencies," he explained. 

Recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that inflation surged to 2.9 percent in December 2024, it was largely driven by higher costs in housing, utilities, and fuel.

GP Party-list’s first nominee JP Padiernos (contributed photo)

A pre-election survey by market research firm Tangere revealed that the public overwhelmingly wants their party-list representatives to focus on the rising cost of commodities, as well as tackling corruption and improving healthcare services, especially in rural areas.

GP Party-list has prepared bills aimed at fostering economic growth through sustainable solutions, including the development of waste-to-energy technologies, the establishment of industrial ecozones, and the creation of hatcheries to boost local agriculture.

"We are committed to finding long-term solutions that will not only address immediate concerns but also contribute to the country’s overall economic stability," Padiernos concluded.