Gabriela Partylist Representative Sarah Elago said the start of 2026 has offered little relief for Filipino women as the rising cost of basic goods continues to squeeze household budgets.
In a statement, Elago stressed that women are most affected by inflation as they are often responsible for managing daily expenses at home.
“Bagong taon na, pero walang pinagbago ang tindi ng hambalos ng mataas na presyo ng bilihin—lalo na sa mga kababaihan na unang nakakaramdam ng hirap sa araw-araw na pagbabadyet para sa pamilya, habang patuloy na tumataas ang lahat ng gastusin,” she said.
The lawmaker renewed her call to scrap the 12% value-added tax (VAT) on basic goods and services, saying it only deepens the burden on women and low-income families.
“Hindi makatarungan na patuloy na pinapasan ng mamamayan ang 12% value added tax. Dapat na itong ibasura dahil malinaw na pabigat lamang ito sa kababaihan at sa mahihirap,” Elago added.
She also cited a Social Weather Stations survey conducted from November 24 to 30 showing that 89% of adult Filipinos are entering 2026 with hope, down from previous years and the lowest level in 16 years.
“Kahit na marami pa ring hindi nawawalan ng pag-asa, unti-unti na itong kinakain ng tuloy-tuloy na pagtaas ng presyo at kawalan ng aksyon mula sa gobyerno. Hindi sapat ang pag-asa kung walang konkretong ginhawang nararamdaman sa araw-araw,” she said.
Elago urged the government and Congress to take urgent action by lowering prices, removing burdensome taxes, and prioritizing economic relief for women and poor families.
“Ngayong 2026, panahon na para gumawa naman ng konkretong hakbang ang gobyerno at hindi puro pangako lang. Pababain na ang presyo ng bilihin, ibasura ang 12% VAT sa pagkain, utilidad at langis, at tanggalin na ang mga patakarang lalong nagpapahirap sa mamamayan,” she added.
She is pushing for the passage of the Presyo Ibaba Bill (House Bill 4774), which seeks to remove the 12% VAT on basic goods as an immediate response to rising prices.