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Small fishers air concerns ahead of Marcos’ 5th Sona

Small-scale fishers from several provinces brought their grievances to the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday, hours before President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona), raising concerns over commercial fishing in municipal waters, reclamation projects and increased US military activity in fishing grounds.

Calling their protest the State of the Fisherfolk Address (Sofa), members of fishing federations led by Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) and Katipunan ng mga Kilusan ng Artisanong Mangingisda sa Pilipinas (KKAMPI) marched to the DA on July 27 to present what they described as the conditions confronting small fishers.

Among the issues raised was the intrusion of commercial fishing operations into the 15-kilometer municipal waters reserved under fisheries laws for municipal fisherfolk, as well as the destruction of fishing grounds and displacement of coastal communities that the groups linked to reclamation.

‘Small fishers from across different provinces traveled to Manila to present the actual situation of the fishing sector which is based on the day-to-day experiences and struggles for daily survival. This is contrary to President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address, which is always far from reality,’ Pamalakaya vice chairperson Ronnel Arambulo said in a statement.

The groups also opposed what Pamalakaya described as ‘foreign interventions under the guise of economic and security zone,’ with fishers from Cavite and Zambales raising concerns over planned US economic security zones in their provinces as part of the Luzon Economic Corridor.

In Cavite, Pamalakaya provincial leader Richard Catenza criticized plans involving Sangley Point, a civilian airport at the mouth of Manila Bay, which the group claimed could be transformed into a US military ‘forward base.’

‘We are disappointed with President Marcos for allowing the U.S. to interfere with the airport located in Manila Bay, where we fish. We are concerned about what military equipment the United States will station here, which could put our security at risk,’ Catenza said.

Fishers from Zambales likewise criticized the administration over US-Philippine military exercises conducted in waters off the province.

According to Pamalakaya, at least three military exercises involving the Philippines, the United States and other allied countries were held off Zambales this year. The group said the exercises were accompanied by no-sail zone restrictions that affected the livelihoods of local fishers and other coastal residents.

The group said the exercises were accompanied by no-sail zone restrictions that affected the livelihoods of local fishers and other coastal residents.

The Sofa protest was held ahead of Marcos’ Sona as the groups sought to contrast the administration’s assessment of the country with what they said were the everyday conditions faced by fishing communities.

After their protest at the DA, the fisherfolk groups traveled in a caravan along Commonwealth Avenue to join a multisectoral demonstration timed with Marcos’ fifth Sona.

Gatchalian urges swift approval of 2027 national budget

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian advocated the timely passage of the 2027 national budget and urgent economic recovery during the opening of the second regular session of the Senate.

In his opening address, Gatchalian said it is important that the national budget be passed on time, adding that it is the ‘most powerful tool’ to stimulate the Philippine economy.

‘Its timely passage allows funding to reach critical services and ensures that new projects can begin as scheduled and meet their deadlines,’ Gatchalian said.

Gatchalian also laid out five economic issues that the Senate seeks to address in the incoming session, including the high prices of basic goods, low take-home pay for workers, high electricity costs, inadequate infrastructure and transportation, and livelihood insecurity.

Among the priority measures Gatchalian identified are amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law, the proposed GINHAWA Bill to address income tax issues, amendments to the Oil Industry Deregulation Act, the proposed Master Plan for Infrastructure and National Development (MIND) Act to coordinate infrastructure projects, and reforms to the Magna Carta for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

‘Strengthening our economy requires a concerted effort, proactive action, and reforms that will endure beyond a single administration,’ Gatchalian said.

From the lower chamber

Meanwhile, House Speaker Bojie Dy said in his opening remarks at the House of Representatives that 163 legislative measures had been passed during the previous session, including 26 priority bills.

In the second regular session, Dy said the House will continue to push for reforms and prioritize the passage of measures such as the Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment Act, amendments to the Universal Health Care Act, the Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act, and the Cybersecurity Act.

‘It is in challenging times like this that our people need their representatives more than ever to house and shelter their most important dreams. Patunayan po natin sa ating kababayan na tayo ay isang Kongresong tumutupad sa ating tungkulin,’ Dy said. (Let’s prove to our countrymen that we are a Congress that fulfills our duty.)

’I cut the grass’ – Peter Obi finally answers critics asking which school he built as Anambra gov.

Peter Obi has responded to the long-running demand that he identify a school built during his tenure as Anambra State governor, citing the development of the Igbariam campus of the state university.

Obi said his administration began work on the campus by cutting the grass and clearing the bush covering the site.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate spoke during an interview with Seun Okinbaloye on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.

‘People say I didn’t build a school. Seun, I built more than a school,’ Obi said.

‘There is a place called Igbariam campus. Seun, I cut the grass.’

Obi clarified that he was referring to clearing and levelling the undeveloped land before facilities were constructed at the campus.

‘When I say I cut the grass, it was a bush. I levelled the bush,’ he said.

The question has followed Obi since April 2024, when Reno Omokri challenged his supporters to identify one school constructed during his eight years as Anambra governor.

Omokri offered $10,000 to anyone who could provide evidence of a school built by Obi’s administration.

Responding at the time, Obi acknowledged that he did not construct a new school but argued that his priority was rebuilding the state’s existing education system.

He said Anambra’s schools were in poor condition when he assumed office and claimed the state moved from 26th position to the top of national education rankings under his administration.

‘Building new schools when the old ones are moribund is just like building coastal lines when internal roads are impassable,’ Obi said in 2024.

During Sunday’s interview, however, Obi pointed to the Igbariam university campus as evidence that his administration undertook educational construction beyond renovating existing schools.

In November 2013, Obi’s administration announced a N5 billion infrastructure intervention for Anambra State University at its permanent site in Igbariam.

Wipro Consumer Care strengthens Philippine footprint with the acquisition of S Brands

Manila, 21st July, 2026: Wipro Consumer Care International (WCCI), the FMCG division of Wipro Enterprises, announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire 100% of the shareholding in S Brands Consumer Care Inc. (S Brands), a leading personal care company in the Philippines.

This is Wipro Consumer Care International’s second strategic acquisition in the Philippines, following the acquisition of Splash Corporation in 2019, one of the country’s most iconic personal care companies with brands such as SkinWhite, MaxiPeel and Vitress. This acquisition further strengthens Wipro’s personal care portfolio and reinforces its leadership position across Southeast Asia.

S Brands is a well-established player in the Philippine personal care market. Its portfolio includes trusted and category leading brands such as KERATINplus, the country’s No. 1 hair treatment brand; AlcoPlus, one of the most trusted hygiene brands; DeoPlus, a fastgrowing leader in powder deodorants; Empress, an emerging hair care brand; Grips, a leading men’s grooming line; and Fiona Cologne, a leading teens’ fragrance brand. Together, these brands have built strong consumer loyalty and hold leading positions in their respective categories.

Wipro Consumer Care International has a strong presence across Asia, the Middle East and Africa, operating in more than 60 markets. Its key markets include India, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and South China.

Mr. Nagender Arya, President East Asia and COO, Wipro Consumer Care

International, said: ‘This acquisition is an important milestone in our journey to become one of Asia’s leading personal care companies. As our 16th strategic acquisition, it reinforces our long-term commitment to the Philippines following the acquisition of Splash Corporation in 2019. It also reflects our continued focus on investing in high-growth emerging markets. The Philippines is the fourth-largest personal care market in Southeast Asia, with a young and growing consumer base. It offers significant opportunities across hair care, skin care, fragrance, and hygiene. We also see strong potential to take KERATINplus and other S Brands products into new international markets.’

Mr. Dick Sy Ong, Founder and President of S Brands, said: ‘S Brands is growing and we’re ready to reach more people in more markets. Wipro has the track record and global reach to help make that happen. And with their proven RandD and innovation, we can give even more to our customers. Wipro is big, yet I see their leadership team is still grounded. They have the heart and concern for what they do, and it’s in their culture to give back to communities. We believe in the same thing.’

Mr. Amit Kumar Dawn, Incoming Chief Executive of S Brands, shared: ‘This acquisition strengthens our position in the Philippines and opens up new opportunities for growth. KERATINplus is the market-leading hair treatment brand with strong consumer loyalty, an extensive distribution network, and excellent brand equity. The addition of S Brands further strengthens the Group’s overall portfolio in the Philippines, providing an even stronger platform to accelerate growth, build stronger brands, improve operational efficiencies, and create long-term value.

Drive set to reduce bodaboda deaths

Educating motorcycle taxi riders on safe road use and traffic compliance will help curb the rising number of fatal accidents in Dar es Salaam and across the country, experts have said.

The remarks were made over the weekend by the Tanzania Occupational Health and Safety Professionals Association (Tohasa) President, Ms Caroline Baraza, during the launch of a road safety campaign in Kinondoni District.

Dubbed ‘Be Careful, Save Lives’, the initiative seeks to promote road safety awareness and provide protective gear to bodaboda riders to reduce fatalities.

‘The goal is to educate bodaboda riders so they remain careful and respect the law,’ said Ms Baraza.

‘Statistics show many lack proper road safety knowledge. Traffic laws do not favour anyone; they are meant for everyone,’ she added.

She urged riders to peer-regulate colleagues who violate traffic regulations and highlighted that Tohasa comprises health and safety experts dedicated to supporting emergency victims.

Partnering with Tohasa, the Kinondoni Regional Traffic Officer, Mr Adrian Kamara, reminded riders to respect pedestrian crossings and avoid pavements.

‘They are legally recognised road users and must ride appropriately,’ noted Mr Kamara, adding that helmets remain mandatory.

During the launch, Tohasa distributed reflective vests and protective eyewear to enhance night visibility and shield riders from dust.

Tohasa Vice President, Mr Gerald Mrema, stressed that the drive targets reducing permanent disabilities and deaths by ensuring riders observe traffic signs, avoid carrying excess passengers, wear safety boots, and conduct daily vehicle inspections.

Welcoming the initiative, Tangi Bovu Shule neighbourhood chairman, Mr Athuman Kitunguu, commended the police and Tohasa, stating that ongoing education has fostered better cooperation between riders and law enforcement.

Uzodimma and the strong push for Tinubu beyond 2027

Gov. Hope Uzodimma strong push for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was evident during recent three-day Renewed Hope Ambassadors/Presidential Communications Team National Media inspection of landmark federal and state governments’ projects in Imo State.

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Governor Hope Uzodimma’s position as the chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum places him in a unique position of primus inter pares (first among his equals) among his governor colleagues in the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. For one, the position puts on his shoulders the responsibility of mobilizing support for the programmes and initiatives of the ruling party as well laid out in the Renewed Hope Agenda of the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

As recently noted by Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser, Media and Public Communication to President Tinubu, one of the indications that Governor Uzodimma has lived up to these responsibilities was the increase in the numbers of governors who have bought into the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President by joining the APC to over 30.

Dare spoke at a state dinner held at Government House, Owerri to mark the end of a three-day Renewed Hope Ambassadors/Presidential Communications Team National Media inspection of landmark federal and state governments’ projects in Imo State. The National Media tour, with over 40 senior editors and journalists in the delegation is itself an initiative of Uzodimma led Renewed Hope Ambassadors in conjunction with the Presidential Communications Team.

Seeing Is Believing’ Media Tour

The ‘seeing is believing’ media tour was initiated with the aim of providing Nigerians with firsthand information about projects and other initiatives being delivered across the country under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, while highlighting the impact of such interventions on citizens’ lives as as the nation prepares for the 2027 general election.

The tour began in the Northwest where the Tinubu administration’s milestone achievements in form of completed and ongoing projects in roads, rail, education, health, agriculture, environment among others were showcased to dispel the claim of neglect of the region by the administration. The situation was not different in the Southeast states of Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi as journalists inspected federal and state projects. Contrary to some claims, leaders of the region, including lawmakers and governors told journalists that the Southeast has been a major beneficiary of ongoing massive investments in infrastructure development by President Tinubu.

Significantly, governors and state government officials had also told journalists during the tour that the strides they have recorded in terms of their ability to undertake massive projects, regular payment of salaries and long neglected pension was because of the more funds they are receiving from the federal purse, courtesy of the reforms, especially, the courageous decision of President Tinubu to stop the corruption laden subsidy on petrol on assumption of office.

The situation was not different in Imo as journalists discovered in the course of three days’ tour of state and federal projects which began on Wednesday, July 15. Led by Declan Emelumba, Imo State Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, media team began with the inspection of the ongoing projects at Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport. With determination to deliver the first cargo airport in the Southeast as a legacy project, Uzodimma has embarked on the expansion of the runway, construction of eight modern warehouses for storage and cargo and other facilities that will position the facility as a major logistics and export hub.

The media team also inspected the 36-kilometre Owerri-Obowo-Umuahia Road, the Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri now upgraded to Federal University of Technology as well as the Federal Medical Centre Owerri upgraded to a Federal University of Technology Teaching Hospital Owerri. The two institutions were upgraded by federal government. Emelumba told journalists that the upgrade of Alvan Ikoku College of Education, Owerri to Federal University of Education by President Bola Tinubu was answer to prayers of the people of Imo for many years.

‘This place used to be Alvan Ikoku College of Education Owerri. This is one of the oldest Federal Government Colleges of Education in Nigeria. I think they said there were about six in the country. Almost all of them had been converted to Federal University of Education. So, every government in Imo struggled to get it converted but couldn’t realize it until the coming of Governor Hope Uzodimma. And this was realized less than a year ago,’ he said. The Commissioner said the upgrade of the upgrade had generated significant employment opportunities for Imo people and had also attracted projects by TETFUND for the institution.

The team also inspected the Imo Digital City, the ongoing construction of 2,000-bed Infectious Disease Centre, the Heart Transplant Centre at the Imo State University, Orlu, the University of Innovation, Science and Technology at Omuma, the ongoing expansion of the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Convention Centre, Owerri as well as the ongoing construction of Orlu-Akokwa-Uga Border road among others in the course of three day visit to Imo.

Commitment To Renewed Hope Agenda

What became very clear during the tour was the commitment of Governor Uzodimma to the actualization of Renewed Hope Agenda for the benefit of the people of the state. Hence, he has no reservations in taking up major federal projects. One of such projects is the 36-kilometre Owerri-Obowo-Umuahia Road, a federal road which was taken over and constructed by the Imo governor after being in a state of disrepair for many years. ‘This is a road that links quite a number of communities, more than four or five local governments. It was horrible. There were so many potholes, and it defied all previous administrations. But as you can see, we passed through it. It’s very smooth, no pothole, with solar-powered streetlights. So, this is the product of the renewed hope government and the government of Imo State, which we are proud to present to you,’ Emelumba told journalists at a section of the road.

Tunde Rahman, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Special Duties told journalists that Uzodimma agreed to take up federal projects in support of the Tinubu’s administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. ‘Some of the interventions that you have seen, the Okigwe International Cargo Airport, and this road that we just passed, is being done by Imo State government under the Renew Hope Agenda to support the government. The governor said clearly we should let you know it’s not a question of, ‘I’m going to be reimbursed.’ ‘It is being done in conjunction with the government in order to support the government under the Renew Hope agenda,’ Rahman who is also Director, Media and Publicity, Renewed Hope Ambassadors said. But the road that extended from Okigwe to Owerri as double carriageway with drains and streetlights is not the only major project that the Imo State Governor has fixed or is fixing through the collaboration from the federal government.

Journalists on the tour was also at a section of the ongoing reconstruction of the 31 Kilometers’ Orlu-Mgbee-Akokwa-Uga Road, a major link between Anambra and Imo which has been rendered impassable for many years as a result of massive gully erosion. The media team saw newly completed gigantic concrete bridge and ongoing efforts to tackle the erosion challenge to restore the link between the two states. ‘There’s no way you could have been here about two years ago because the road was cut into two by the gully erosion for more than eight years at this particular place. It takes a lot of courage, vision and determination for anybody, any government to attempt to fix it like the governor of the state is doing,’ said the Commissioner.

‘The road is along Akokwa-Uga. Uga is in Anambra. So, it links the two states. This is a very commercial hub of the state. By constructing this road, commerce will flow, and goods and services will flow easily,’ Emelumba said. ‘This place, I’m sure if the contractors will tell you, has gulped a lot of money, a lot of money. But the governor said he was determined, even though it’s a federal road, he is an APC governor and an APC compliant governor for that matter,’ he added. Even then, it was also acknowledged that Uzodimma and his colleagues are being empowered to undertake such gigantic projects because of the increase in the money going from the federal purse into the coffers of sub national governments as a result of the bold reforms of the President.

Enabled By Tinubu’s Reforms

Uzodimma acknowledged this during the state dinner at Government House, Owerri. ‘Everything we are doing in Imo today is made possible because of the Renewed Hope Agenda. We are pursuing sustainable development, investing in infrastructure, healthcare, education and technology because the reforms have created the enabling environment for development,’ the Governor said while likening the reforms being undertaken by the President to those that propelled Singapore to the apex in terms of development indices under the late Lee Kuan Yew.

He noted that the President came into office on May 29, 2023, with determination to tackle Nigeria’s age long challenges with the aim of bringing the nation into a new realm of development. ‘President Tinubu knew exactly what he came to do. He started implementing the reforms immediately because he understood the task before him,’ he said. Thus, he said the President started campaigning for his second term when he assumed office as he started rolling out policies and reform policies that have now crystallized into benefits for people across the country.

The Governor recalled that when he was sworn in on 15 January 2020, his Accountant General came back from a FAAC meeting with funds that was barely enough to pay salaries, just like for many other states then. But he noted that the situation changed dramatically when President Tinubu assumed office on May 29th, 2023. After FAAC, I saw over N10 billion. I said, ‘what?’ So, when people were trying to oppose removal of subsidy, I have to put on my belt and my jeans. I came out and said, ‘subsidy must be removed’. Uzodimma said his administration has been able to deploy the increased resources from the centre to undertake visible programmes and projects that the people of the state are very, very happy for and have therefore decided to vote for the President in 2027.

He noted that with increased FAAC allocation and increase in Internally generated revenue of the state from less than N400m to close to N6 billion a month now, his administration has been able to reduce the debt profile of Imo State from about N280 billion in 2020 to less than N90 billion.

‘So, day by day, we are reducing the debt profile so that the state can become very solvent. In 2020, movement from one end of Imo State to another takes an average of two to three hours. As I speak, it is only 45 minutes,’ said the Governor.

He also revealed that his administration had taken advantage of the new electricity law of President Tinubu’s administration to tackle the challenge of power in the state. Thus, he said the administration has been able to end the regime of the people of the state paying for power they did not consume. As I speak, we generate, we transmit, and we distribute electricity. In Owerri, capital, including this government house, we are using ‘homemade’ electricity’, he said while assuring that the locally generated power will be extended to some of the state’s local government areas by the end of the year.

Tinubu In Strong Position For Overwhelming Victory

Uzodimma said the performance of his administration with the support of President Tinubu as well as ongoing federal interventions across the state have placed the ruling party in a strong position for overwhelming victory in the state and in the nation in the 2027 election. ‘You have come to Imo, not to campaign for our people. You have come to Imo to see what we have been able to achieve. Our people have already decided that they want President Bola Tinubu back as the president. Because without him and his policies and programmes, this environment we are enjoying today would have been very impossible to achieve,’ Uzodimma said while assuring that many governors of APC in Nigeria are also working hard, deploying the additional revenue accruing to them from the centre for the benefit of their people.

While assuring that his projection that Tinubu will record a landslide victory in the 2027 election was not based on fantasies, Uzodimma said: The population of APC, verifiable with name, is in excess of 13 million. Look at the number of people benefiting from the school loan. Look at the number of people benefiting from various social interventions. Imo State is a one-party state. I can say that authoritatively. Ambassadors of Renewed Hope Agenda are present in every polling unit, minimum of 50 people. So, if members of our party vote for our presidential candidate, he has already won the election.’

Socoteco II gives nod to Ignite Power tie-up

More than 32,000 member-consumer-owners (MCOs) of South Cotabato II Electric Cooperative (Socoteco II) have backed the latter’s proposed conditional joint venture deal with Razon-Pacquiao-backed Ignite Power aimed at beefing up its distribution network.

The show of approval happened at the power cooperative’s 43rd annual general membership assembly over the weekend.

Socoteco II board president Elenito Senit told his members that he signed the agreement with Ignite Power on July 23 after getting the green light from the board of directors.

Ignite Power Corp. is a joint venture between MP Holdings Inc., owned by boxing legend and former Senator Manny Pacquiao, and Razon-led Prime Electric Holdings Inc.

With the power company on board, Senit said Socoteco would gain the needed capital to pursue rehabilitation, expansion, and modernization works to boost electricity services across General Santos City, Sarangani province, and nearby areas.

The MCOs also passed a resolution calling for an immediate plebiscite to let members vote on the proposed partnership before it is finalized.

The Socoteco II executive directed its Institutional Services Department to launch an information, education and communications campaign to help members understand the agreement before the plebiscite.

Senit also said Socoteco would work closely with the National Electrification Administration and wait for the latter’s guidelines before setting a date and process for the planned plebiscite.

Mandaue secures P5 million grant for digital projects

The Mandaue City government has received a P5 million grant from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to implement a ‘digital twin’ project, a drone-based mapping system aimed at identifying areas vulnerable to disasters and other urban concerns.

Councilor Carlo Fortuna said the grant will fund the acquisition of drone technology to create a digital map of the city that will help identify locations prone to fires, flooding, traffic congestion, and other risks.

‘The City of Mandaue is very fortunate that DOST has partnered with us to make Mandaue a smart city,’ Fortuna said.

The digital twin project is among the initiatives under the Smart Mandaue Road Map, which was officially launched during the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week on July 13.

The roadmap seeks to strengthen disaster resilience, urban planning, environmental management, and community development through data-driven decision-making and the use of science and technology.

Fortuna said the City Planning and Development Office will lead the implementation of the project, with the data gathered through the drone technology expected to support planning and policy decisions in addressing the city’s priority concerns.

The City Council earlier approved a resolution authorizing Mayor Thadeo Jovito Ouano to sign the Memorandum of Agreement between the city government and DOST for the implementation of the project.

According to Fortuna, the program will run until 2029. He added that the technology will provide detailed mapping data that can help the city improve disaster preparedness, infrastructure planning, traffic management, and other public services

Dy: House ready to turn Marcos Sona into action

The House of Representatives is ready to translate the priorities outlined by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) into legislation and concrete action, Speaker Faustino ‘Bojie’ G. Dy III said on Monday.

He said the president’s address provided Congress with a clear legislative direction as lawmakers begin work on the administration’s priority measures, including proposals to ease the tax burden on Filipinos and lower electricity costs.

‘The Sona signified the administration’s direction. The role of the House is to make sure to give this the necessary support through an orderly, scrupulous, and timely discussion of bills,’ Dy said in Filipino.

According to Dy, the House is prepared to prioritize measures requested by the president – those that would expand the income tax exemption to cover more workers earning up to P350,000 annually; reduce income taxes for other workers; exempt small businesses from the minimum corporate income tax; and grant tax amnesty for unpaid income tax, estate tax, donor’s tax, value-added tax (VAT), and the corresponding penalties.

‘The House fully supports the president’s call to provide meaningful tax relief to our people. We will carefully study these proposals and work to pass measures that will allow Filipino workers to keep more of what they earn, help small businesses grow, and give qualified taxpayers a fresh start through a fair and responsible tax amnesty,’ Dy said.

He also welcomed the president’s call for reforms aimed at reducing electricity costs, including the passage of the Sariling Kuryente Act to make rooftop solar panels and battery storage systems more accessible and affordable for households, as well as amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to prohibit the charging of systems loss and the corresponding VAT to consumers.

‘The president has made it clear that bringing down electricity costs is a national priority, and the House stands ready to do its part. We will give due priority to the proposed Sariling Kuryente Act and the amendments to the EPIRA to ensure that consumers are no longer made to shoulder charges that should not be passed on to them,’ Dy said.

He said the president’s message was in line with the direction he outlined at the opening of the second regular session of the 20th Congress, when he urged fellow lawmakers to prioritize reforms that directly benefit ordinary Filipinos.

‘The challenge now is to make sure that every proposal that the House would tackle will be beneficial to every Filipino. That’s the measure of our work,’ Dy said.

He also underscored the importance of close coordination between the executive and legislative branches in carrying out the administration’s agenda.

‘These are practical reforms that respond to the everyday concerns of Filipino families. The House is committed to working closely with the Executive to turn these priorities into laws that will ease the cost of living, strengthen our economy, and improve the quality of life of every Filipino,’ he said.

Dy said the House would continue to uphold responsible and people-centered lawmaking.

‘In the end, the executive and the legislature have one goal – to deliver proper service and a better life to every Filipino. It’s easier to do this if we act together,’ he said.

‘It’s not only passing laws that’s important. What’s more important is to make sure that every law is really meaningful and beneficial to our countrymen,’ he added.

WATCH: Cayetano cites ‘crisis of hope’ as nation faces key challenges

Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano says the Philippines is facing a ‘crisis of hope’ as he outlined the key challenges confronting both the Marcos administration and the nation.

In an ambush interview following the opening of the Second Regular Session of the 20th Congress on Monday, Cayetano discussed issues he believes the government must address as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prepares to deliver his fifth State of the Nation Address (Sona).