HOUSE leaders have pledged their support to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s key programs, particularly those focused on providing housing, water, and electricity to Filipinos.
Citing ongoing efforts to improve irrigation, expand access to safe housing, and broaden power subsidies for low-income families, lawmakers emphasized their commitment to strengthening these initiatives through legislation.
Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos is leading the charge, with support from House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms Chairman Zia Alonto Adiong and Deputy Speakers Paolo Ortega V and Jay Khonghun. This group of “Young Guns” aims to complement the administration’s on-the-ground efforts with measures that ensure affordability and wider access to essential services.
A key example is Majority Leader Marcos’ House Bill (HB) No. 2700, which proposes free electricity for qualified low-consumption households through a direct government subsidy.
“Housing, electricity, and water are fundamental – they are the foundation of a decent life and a stable economy. As leaders in the House, we support President Marcos in programs that create jobs, lower family expenses, and strengthen the provinces. At the same time, we will ensure that every peso is spent correctly and with clear accountability,” Adiong, Ortega, and Khonghun said in a joint statement.
The House leaders emphasized that their legislative agenda will prioritize strengthening these programs and protecting their long-term impact. They highlighted the Common Legislative Agenda (CLA) of the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) as a key tool for synchronizing reforms, removing policy obstacles, and passing measures that provide lasting support to the administration’s projects.
The lawmakers specifically voiced their support for HB 2700, the “Free Electricity for Low-Consumption Households Act,” noting its alignment with the President’s goals. The bill seeks to replace the existing cross-subsidy system with a direct government subsidy, making power more affordable and equitable nationwide, while also exempting the subsidized portion from VAT.
Adiong emphasized the importance of water investments for food security and everyday living, referencing President Marcos’ recent inauguration of the rehabilitated Mahayag Dam in Zamboanga del Sur and the turnover of solar-powered pump irrigation projects (SPIPs) across the Zamboanga Peninsula.
Ortega highlighted housing as an economic engine that also restores dignity to families, citing President Marcos’ recent awarding of homes and assistance to beneficiaries of the Expanded Pambansang Pabahay Para Sa Pilipino (4PH) Program.
Khonghun stressed the need for reliable and affordable electricity for both families and businesses, referencing President Marcos’ announcement of reforms to make electricity subsidies easier to access and streamline net-metering for households installing solar panels.
The President’s remarks were made during the “Collective Response to Presidential Commitments In the Energy Sector” in Pasig City. He noted that only a small percentage of eligible households are currently benefiting from the Lifeline Rate Subsidy Program due to complicated requirements.
The rehabilitated Mahayag Dam is expected to benefit over 3,100 farmers and their families, while the 20 SPIPs will provide clean and affordable irrigation to 635 farmers in the Zamboanga Peninsula. President Marcos also led the turnover of housing units and land ownership certificates to beneficiaries of various housing programs.
