Courtesy: Smart Communications
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday vowed that the House of Representatives would continue to support farmers to enable them to increase their rice harvest and make the staple affordable.
He told his colleagues during the opening of the third and last regular session of Congress that the House “welcomes and fully supports” the recent reduction by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. of the tariff on imported rice from 35 percent to 15 percent through Executive Order (EO) No. 62.
“May I just add that in conjunction with the lowering of rice tariffs for the benefit of Filipino consumers, we will strive to provide all the necessary infrastructure, technological, and financial support to increase the productivity and income of our farmers,” he said.
“By augmenting the rice supply and managing prices, rice becomes more affordable and thus, accessible to all Filipinos,” he said.
He said the House is also aiming “to safeguard the purchasing power of our countrymen by keeping inflation under control and reducing electricity cost.”
The leader of the 300-plus-strong House noted that the Philippine Statistics Authority has reported that inflation in June decelerated to 3.7 percent from 3.9 percent in May due to lower energy and transport costs.
“The amendment to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), which we must finish in December, is expected to further ease inflation,” he said.
Speaker Romualdez also reported on his recent trip to Japan, where he met with his counterpart, Speaker Fukushima Nukaga, and other Japanese lawmakers “to enhance the defense and security cooperation between our countries.”
“During the meeting, we made a firm commitment to expand the trilateral cooperation among the Philippines, Japan, and the United States,” he said.
They also discussed matters relating to the fair access of Philippine agricultural products to the Japanese market, the Philippine-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement, assistance for infrastructure projects through Official Development Assistance (ODA), protection of the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), and Japanese investments.
“This collaboration serves to fortify our bilateral relations and strategic partnership,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He said the House is likewise addressing the “most current and pressing issues” like criminal activities linked to Philippine offshore gambling operations and proliferation of illegal drugs.
He reiterated his commitment on the approval of all priority measures identified by President Marcos Jr. and the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC).
“We, at the House of Representatives, stand united with the President in his desire to advance these legislative initiatives that will shape the nation’s path forward. This is a time for unity, and we fully support the President,” he said.
He said the priority bills include the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, Philippine Self-reliant Defense Posture Program Act, Philippine Maritime Zones Act, amendments to the Right-of-way Act, amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, Create More Act, VAT on Digital Transactions, and capital market reforms.
He said the LEDAC has agreed to include the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act and five other important measures in the top priority list.
“Today, I emphasize our commitment to pass the remaining priority bills before the end of the Third Regular Session. We are ready and equally determined to ensure that these critical measures are enacted to support our nation’s progress and development,” he said.
“For this purpose, I expect no less than your usual cooperation and swift action. Tulad ng ginawa natin noong First at Second Regular Session, ibubuhos natin ang lahat ng lakas at panahon para maipasa ang mga batas na kailangan ng bansa,” he told his colleagues.
