Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has urged the national government to consider non‑tax revenue options to achieve long-term fiscal stability even as state economic managers continue to study ways to strengthen the country’s revenue generation policies.

The Subcommittee on Civil Service, Government Reorganization, and Professional Regulation held its hearing on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, and discussed Senate Bill No. 783 (SBN 783) introduced by Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero, which seeks to disqualify relatives of public officials from all government contracts. (Senate of the Philippines)

Escudero said the government should consider bidding out of exploration and production agreements over the country’s indigenous coal resources.

The senator said this approach on indigenous resources could help generate additional funds while supporting ongoing fiscal and development priorities.

He said new taxes should be a last resort and reiterated the importance of efficient revenue collection and the full utilization of existing non-tax opportunities.

“In lieu of new taxes, the government should maximize the resources it already owns,” Escudero said.

“Bidding out exploration and sharing agreements over our indigenous coal reserves is a practical way to raise revenues without imposing additional burdens on the public,” he stressed.

Several tax proposals currently remain under review as part of the government broader fiscal strategy. Among the measures being examined are adjustments to excise taxes on sweetened beverages and certain food products, the Motor Vehicle Road User’s Tax (MVRUT), and the proposed excise tax on single-use plastics (SUPs).

Escudero noted that the Philippines has long‑identified coal‑bearing areas in Cagayan, Isabela, and parts of South Cotabato and Sarangani, which can be offered to the private sector through transparent and competitive bidding, since these areas remain underdeveloped despite their potential to contribute to national revenues.

Additionally, properly structured agreements can provide the government substantial upfront payments and steady annual income through work program commitments and the state’s share from future production.

“If done correctly and competitively, these agreements can yield up to one trillion pesos upfront, and around seventy to one hundred billion pesos every year in non‑tax revenues,” he pointed out.

Moreover, Escudero said tapping indigenous energy resources can complement the country’s long‑term energy and development goals.

Nevertheless, Escudero said he hopes the government will continue to explore non‑tax options alongside existing revenue measures to help support national priorities and at the same time mindful of the public’s capacity to absorb new taxes.