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The House of Representatives will make combating poverty its top priority this 2025--with the vaunted quinta-committee (quinta-comm) being its main weapon. 

Thus, said Assistant Majority Leader Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre following a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, which showed that 63 percent of Filipino families consider themselves poor. This is the highest level in 21 years. 

“These figures highlight the urgency of our work in the House under the capable leadership of Speaker [Martin] Romualdez, while also underscoring the potential impact of the measures we are putting in place,” Acidre said. 

“Food security remains central to our efforts to alleviate poverty and improve the quality of life for every Filipino family,” he added. 

At the forefront of the House’s initiatives against poverty is the quinta-comm. Also known as the Murang Pagkain Super-committee, it's formation was spearheaded by Romualdez himself. 

Led by overall chairman Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda, this q
uinta-comm unites five key committees in the effort to address high food prices, smuggling, and inefficiencies in the supply chain. 

The committee has begun investigations into rising food costs, particularly rice, and is working with agencies like the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to crack down on profiteering. 

“We are tackling the root causes of food insecurity. By ensuring affordable food for all, we are addressing one of the most pressing concerns of Filipino families,” Acidre said. 

Beyond food security, the House continues to work closely with the executive branch to advance programs aimed at reducing poverty, such as the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) and other economic stimulus measures. 

Acidre also pointed to efforts to empower local industries, provide support to small farmers, and implement targeted subsidies as crucial steps toward long-term economic recovery. 

“The rising self-rated poverty level is a challenge we must face head-on,” Acidre said. 

He added: “Let this survey remind us of our shared mission: to uplift the lives of every Filipino and build a future where prosperity is within reach for all.” 

While the survey results highlight significant challenges, Acidre expressed confidence in the ability of the House and the Marcos administration to implement solutions. 

“These numbers show the challenges we face, but they also drive us to work harder for the Filipino people. With the right policies and programs, we can turn this around,” he said.