A Parliamentary representative body aims to pass four priority bills this week before the six-week legislative break, its top leader said on Sunday, as MPs seek to comply with the Marcos administration’s legislative agenda.
The chamber is slated to approve bills that eliminate the travel tax, authorize digital payment platforms for government services, amend the free college education law of 2017 and create a new scholarship program for high school seniors, Senior Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos III, the President’s son, said in a statement on Sunday.
He said the close approval of the measures “shows.”[s] a mix of relief and reform,” as lawmakers seek to improve the quality of life of Filipinos.
“We are on the right track to approve LEDAC’s measures on time,” he said in a statement, referring to the Legislative Development Council, which identified 52 important bills for President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. for the remainder of his term.
President Marcos, now at the end of his six-year term, wants to leave a political legacy with a legislative agenda aimed at addressing core problems, promoting economic reforms and strengthening governance.
“The public does not live on promises alone, it needs results,” said Mr. Marcos. “That is exactly what we are trying to deliver by moving these measures quickly and ethically.”
He said laws preventing political generations, establishing a national land use policy and introducing amendments to the country’s biofuels law of 2006 will also be discussed by the House this week.
In a separate statement, Congressman Mr. Marcos said the House will also pass in the final reading the bill authorizing the President to reduce or suspend the fuel excise tax, which has given the government a way to reduce the rising prices due to the global oil shock caused by the Iran war.
“The House is trying to deal with the oil price problem,” he said. “This bill gives the President a legal and time-bound way to reduce or freeze the gasoline tax so that relief reaches the public before higher oil prices cause widespread increases in the cost of transportation, food and other essential expenses.”
Now entering its third week, the war in Iran shows no signs of ending as both Washington and Tehran show no interest in an end to the conflict, widening the conflict in the wealthy Middle East that has sent oil prices soaring and roiled global markets.
“This proposal provides real help, especially to workers, drivers, small businesses and families who feel the impact of every peso added to the cost of fuel,” said Congressman Mr. Marcos.
The Philippines imposes an excise tax of P10 per liter of gasoline, P6 per liter of diesel and P5 per liter of kerosene under the 2017 Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion law. It previously allowed the government to suspend the collection of fuel excise duties when global oil prices hit $80 a barrel for three consecutive months, but that provision expired six years ago. – Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio
