Cavite 2nd District Representative Lani Mercado-Revilla is calling on the government to immediately implement measures that would provide economic relief to Filipino households struggling with the impact of rising fuel costs.
In a recent statement, the lawmaker emphasized that the burden of the crisis should not fall on ordinary citizens.
“Hindi kasalanan ng Pilipino ang krisis na ito, pero sila ang unang naaapektuhan. Kaya tungkulin nating kumilos agad upang maibsan ang kanilang pinapasan,” she said.
Mercado-Revilla has put forward several proposals in the House of Representatives aimed at cushioning families from the ripple effects of escalating fuel prices, which have been driven higher by tensions in the Middle East.
She warned that the ongoing global situation is already causing increases in transport fares and the prices of basic commodities, placing additional strain on household budgets.
Among her key recommendations is the reduction or suspension of Value-Added Tax (VAT) on essential food items, including sardines, eggs, bread, coffee, sugar, and rice—staples consumed daily by millions of Filipinos.
“To ease the burden on our people, we must seriously consider reducing or suspending VAT on basic necessities such as sardines, eggs, bread, coffee, sugar, and rice,” she said.
The legislator also urged a reassessment of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law to ensure it remains responsive to current economic conditions.
“Panahon na para balikan natin ang TRAIN Law at tiyakin na hindi ito nagiging pabigat sa ating mga kababayan. Sa gitna ng krisis, dapat mas pinoprotektahan natin ang purchasing power ng ating kababayang Pilipino,” Mercado-Revilla emphasized.
In the energy sector, Mercado-Revilla highlighted her authorship of House Bill No. 6976, which seeks to remove system loss charges from consumers’ electricity bills. She argued that such costs should not be passed on to the public.
“Bilang may-akda ng House Bill No. 6976, naninindigan ako na hindi dapat ipinapasa sa consumers ang system loss charges. Ito ay inefficiency na dapat sagutin ng power companies, hindi ng taumbayan,” she said.
The proposed measure, she noted, would offer immediate relief to households already grappling with rising electricity costs, alongside increasing food and transportation expenses.