House suspends session before Christmas break after historic 2026 national budget approval – Photo from House of Representatives/Facebook
House Speaker Faustino Dy III directed several committees to hold joint hearings during the break to accelerate measures addressing the impact of rising fuel prices amid Middle East tensions.
Dy said the hearings aim to align legislative initiatives with the executive branch and ensure policies are well-targeted and forward-looking.
He emphasized the need for clear plans that would not only address the current situation but also anticipate future challenges.
The Speaker added that lawmakers wanted to hear directly from economic managers and frontline agencies to design legislation that helps Filipinos cope with the effects of the Middle East conflict.
Committees involved in the joint hearings included energy, agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries, foreign affairs, ways and means, labor and employment, transportation, information and communications technology, economic affairs, and social services.
Dy said the goal of the hearings was to identify solutions in coordination with the executive branch rather than assign blame.
He stressed that while global events are beyond the country’s control, the government can manage its response effectively.
The Speaker underlined the importance of being prepared, acting swiftly, and working together to find practical solutions to the energy challenges.
