Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said on Monday, July 27 that the passage of bills promoting economic reforms will remain on the topmost priority of the Upper Chamber this Second Regular Session of Congress. 

Gatchalian made the declaration during the opening of the Senate’s plenary session, as he highlighted the need for the country’s economy to regain its footing. 

“The most urgent point of concern, therefore, is getting the Philippine economy back on track. To that end, this Congress will prioritize legislation aimed at reinvigorating the nation’s economy in support of this administration’s objectives,” Gatchalian said in his opening speech. 

“Furthermore, genuine economic recovery cannot be measured by growth figures alone. It must be felt in the things that really matter—affordable goods and services, secure jobs and food on the table,” he said.

Among the priority measures of the Senate will include the proposed 2027 national budget, the Senate leader reaffirmed.

“The national budget is our most powerful tool for stimulating the economy. It is imperative that the 2027 national budget be passed on time,” he said.

He also said the livestreaming of the Bicameral Conference Committee and the uploading of all budget documents to the Senate Transparency Portal will continue this budget season.

“These reforms must continue so our people can see that the government is accountable and reliable,” he said.

Aside from the prompt and thorough passage of the national budget for next year, Gatchalian said the Senate will focus on dealing with five major issues, namely: high commodity prices, low take-home pay for workers, high electricity bills, lack of infrastructure and transportation, and job insecurity. 

“Regardless of our status in life, we all feel the weight of these problems,” he said. 

Also included in the list of measures the Senate will prioritize is the amendments to the Rice Tariffication law, the Ginhawa Bll, which seeks to increase the take-home pay of workers, the bill strengthening the mandate of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), amendments to the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act, the Masterplan for Infrastructure and National Development (MIND) bill, and Magna Carta for MSMEs.

“Let us build an economy worthy of the strength of our people, one where work provides security, daily needs are within reach, and the fruits of growth are felt in every Filipino home,” the Senate chief said.

“The task before us is urgent and clear. Let us come together as one Senate, one government, one people, and set our nation towards a horizon of progress for every Filipino, in every generation,” he reiterated.