House of Representatives announces legislative priorities

HOUSE spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante and Bulacan Representative-elect Agatha Paula Cruz pointed out the urgency of legislative solutions to the concerns of the common Filipino, such as rice prices, healthcare benefits and the government’s anti-drug campaign.

Abante elaborated on the recent remarks by Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez supporting an overhaul of the National Food Authority to help stabilize rice prices.

“Habang binabalanse natin yung kailangan na pangalagaan at protektahan ang ating mga magsasaka, kailangan din natin ang pagbalanse para masiguro na yung kakailanganin na mga idadagdag na mga tulong sa ating mga magsasaka ay hindi naman magiging pabigat din sa mga consumers,” Abante said.

Cruz, a first-time lawmaker, also shared that neophyte legislators should focus on ensuring that the goals of the proposed reform are met — protecting farmers while also helping consumers.

They also responded to the Speaker’s statement regarding the expansion of PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corporation) benefits particularly for dialysis and emergency support care, with Abante stating that the House is prepared to help deliver the administration’s healthcare goals for Filipinos.

“Napakagandang balita yung pagbibigay dagdag ng mga benepisyo under the PhilHealth para sa ating mga kababayan. ‘Yung dating 90 sessions lang para sa dialysis, naging 156 na, halos triple ang binabayad kada session,” Abante said.

Cruz also emphasized the need to address healthcare access gaps and said expanded PhilHealth benefits should be supported by adequate facilities and greater public awareness.

In the 20th Congress, she aims to expand dialysis specialty centers in government and primary healthcare facilities and raise awareness of PhilHealth’s outpatient services.

Abante also echoed the Speaker’s support for the anti-drug campaign.

“Napakaganda ng nangyayari ngayon sa bagong administration kung saan hindi prayoridad ‘yong mga pagpatay, kundi ‘yong paghuli ng mga source of illegal drugs,” she said. 

For her part, Cruz said she would be looking into how future budget deliberations could address both enforcement and rehabilitation.

“I think it is very important that during budget deliberations, meron po tayong ginagawa to strengthen our police force at the local level,” she said.

Cruz said there is a need for stronger funding for community rehabilitation programs, emphasizing the need to address both drug supply and demand.

She added that collaboration with national agencies like the Department of Health is crucial, as the drug issue is both a health and national security concern.