House of Representatives spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante said on Wednesday, June 25, that addressing the impact of the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, particularly its effects on the energy sector, will be among the top priorities of the 20th Congress when it opens session on July 28.
According to the report of RH Milky Rigonan, Abante emphasized that Congress will focus on ensuring proactive and coordinated efforts to cushion the Philippine economy from the potential consequences of rising global oil prices triggered by tensions in the Middle East.
“House of Representatives will always prioritize yung mga usapin para sa mga issues na nakakaapekto sa ekonomiya. Napakita naman ‘yan ng House of Representatives noong 19th congress,” said Abante.
“Kaya pagdating again sa usapin ng mga tungkol diyan handa naman ang kongreso na pag-usapan ito at tuguninan ito,” she added.
Although current oil price hikes are not yet considered critical, Abante underscored the importance of inter-agency coordination to identify key factors and necessary legislative measures.
“Importante ang pag-coordinate ng iba’t-ibang ahensya para malaman kung ano ‘yung mga factors, ano yung mga legislatives measures na kailangan para matugunan ang mga ito,” she added.
Following the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, several groups have renewed calls to repeal the Oil Deregulation Law and reconsider the imposition of excise taxes on petroleum products.
