The House of Representatives assured the public of a steady and coordinated response to the ongoing fuel crisis as the Legislative Energy Action and Development (LEAD) Joint Committee resumed its hearings on Monday, April 13.

Presiding over the session, Marikina City 2nd District Rep. Miro Quimbo emphasized the need for a balanced and sustainable approach in addressing rising fuel prices and their impact on Filipino households.

“Hindi lamang ang pinakamabilis o pinakamadaling solusyon ang ating hinahanap. Ang tunay na kailangan natin ay ang wastong balanse ng isang solusyong maagap, epektibo, at responsable,” Quimbo said.

The LEAD Joint Committee—composed of 13 House panels—was formed to unify legislative efforts and align them with broader government interventions. Lawmakers are currently assessing the economic effects of global fuel price pressures while refining policy responses.

Quimbo noted that while fuel supply remains stable, affordability has become the central concern.

“We saw how the ongoing global conflict has translated into real economic pressures here at home,” he said, adding that high fuel costs continue to create ripple effects across transport, food, and other essential sectors.

He stressed that all policy options remain under consideration, including proposals such as suspending the value-added tax (VAT) on fuel, but warned these must be carefully evaluated.

“Sa pagpapatuloy ng ating discussion, nais kong maging malinaw: lahat ng policy options ay nananatiling bukas… patungo sa paglikha ng komprehensibo, malawakan, at pangmatagalang tugon,” Quimbo said.

Among the measures being studied are the use of the Malampaya Fund, expanded subsidies, and support for affected sectors, including transport and food production. The hearing was structured to focus on four key areas: energy supply, subsidy programs, transport, and food security.

Quimbo underscored that the House aims to protect both household welfare and economic stability amid continued uncertainty, saying lawmakers must focus on solutions that ensure long-term resilience.

“Mga solusyon na hindi lamang para sa kasalukuyang krisis, kundi upang masiguro na sa susunod na pagsubok… mas matatag ang ating bansa,” he said.

The House is expected to continue conducting joint committee hearings in the coming days to further refine its policy response and ensure support for vulnerable sectors and the middle class.