THE House of Representatives, under the leadership of Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III, is tightening its response to rising fuel costs by focusing on workers, the middle class and small businesses to help keep the economy moving.
At the third hearing of the Legislative Energy Action and Development (LEAD) Joint Committee, presiding officer Marikina City Rep. Miro Quimbo said the priority is to balance immediate relief with longer-term support for those driving economic activity.
“Sa aking mga kasamahan, tungkulin nating hanapin ang tamang balanse sa pagitan ng agarang tulong at pangmatagalang solusyon, hindi lamang para sa mga pinakanangangailangan, kundi para sa mga manggagawa at mga negosyong nagpapatakbo ng ating ekonomiya,” Quimbo said.
“Sapagkat sila man ay matinding tinatamaan din ng krisis, at kapag sila ang bumigay, kasunod nitong mayayanig ang ating ekonomiya.”
Quimbo, who also chairs the House Committee on Ways and Means, said Speaker Dy directed the discussions toward sectors that directly affect the daily lives of Filipinos.
“For today’s session, upon the instruction of Speaker Bojie Dy, we will continue our discussions with a focus on key sectors that directly shape the daily lives of our people,” he said.
Quimbo said recent hearings show the main issue is not supply but the steady squeeze on purchasing power.
“In our last two LEAD Joint Committee meetings, one reality has become unmistakable: the true threat of this energy crisis is its creeping impact on our domestic economy,” Quimbo said.
“Rising oil prices are pushing up the cost of living, steadily eroding the ability of Filipino families to meet their daily needs. And if this continues, many will struggle just to get by.”
He said that while fuel supply remains stable, affordability is now the main concern for households.
“Tumataas ang presyo ng langis, tumataas ang presyo ng pagkain, at unti-unting nababawasan ang kakayahang bumili ng ating mga mamamayan,” Quimbo said.
Quimbo pointed to the middle class as a key group needing attention, noting that many are not covered by aid but face the same rising costs.
“Ito ang sektor na kadalasang hindi saklaw ng ayuda kahit sila’y nalulunod din sa pagtaas ng bilihin. They are one major crisis away from falling below the poverty line,” he said.
The House leader stressed that supporting workers’ ability to earn and spend is key to keeping the economy running.
“Kapag humina ang kakayahan nilang kumita at gumastos, humihinto ang galaw ng ating ekonomiya,” he said.
Quimbo also flagged pressure on businesses, especially small firms with limited capacity to absorb higher costs.
“Lalong mas apektado ang maliliit na negosyo na limitado ang puhunan, walang sapat na buffer, at hirap sumabay sa patuloy na pagtaas ng gastos,” Quimbo said.
He said the House is looking at ways to manage rising costs without passing them fully on to consumers.
“Paano matutulungan ng gobyerno ang mga negosyong ito upang mapanatiling mababa ang presyo ng kanilang produkto? Paano natin masisiguro na hindi tuluyang maipapasa sa mga mamimili ang lahat ng pagtaas ng gastos?” he asked.
Quimbo added that the transport sector remains a key concern, with drivers directly hit by fuel price increases.
“Habang tumataas ang presyo ng langis, lalong lumiliit ang kita ng mga driver. Umaabot sa puntong barya na lang ang natitira,” he said.
The LEAD Joint Committee is set to hear updates from economic managers and key sectors as the House works on a mix of immediate and long-term measures to support households, businesses and overall economic stability.