Photo courtesy of House of Representatives of the Philippines/Facebook.
Lawmakers from 13 House committees will hold a combined session on Wednesday to examine measures addressing rising fuel prices and long-term energy concerns amid the Middle East tensions.
Marikina Representative Miro Quimbo, chairperson of the Committee on Ways and Means, will facilitate the hearing at the People’s Center in the Batasang Pambansa complex. The session is set to begin at 9:30 a.m.
The joint panel will include committees on energy, agriculture and food, appropriations, aquaculture and fisheries, economic affairs, foreign affairs, information and communications technology, labor and employment, overseas workers affairs, social services, trade and industry, and transportation.
“The hearing will focus on the country’s oil and energy supply situation amid tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, as well as the broader economic impact, government response, and proposed courses of action,” the Speaker’s office said.
Cabinet officials, regulators, and economic managers are expected to brief lawmakers and provide policy options. Participants include Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, Finance Secretary Frederick Go, Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, and other key department heads.
Speaker Faustino Dy said the purpose of the hearings is to align legislative initiatives with the Executive and ensure responses are forward-looking. “Ang kailangan natin ngayon ay malinaw na plano—hindi lang para sa ngayon, kundi para sa mga susunod na buwan at taon,” he said.
Quimbo indicated the 13-committee panel could shape a legislative package similar to the Bayanihan bills used during the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted the focus would be on aid programs supported by available government funds, without relying on loans.
Senator Loren Legarda filed a Senate version of Bayanihan 3, proposing measures under the UPLIFTED policy of President Marcos Jr. The plan allows the Department of Energy and the Department of Finance to regulate oil supply and enforce temporary price measures during the ongoing crisis.
