The House of Representatives is expediting efforts to finalize a package of measures aimed at mitigating the impact of rising fuel costs, with proposed legislation expected to be ready when Congress reconvenes on May 4.
At the center of the initiative is the Legislative Energy Action Development (LEAD) Council, a multi-committee body tasked with coordinating both immediate relief efforts and long-term reforms as global oil prices continue to rise amid tensions in the Middle East.
Marikina City 2nd District Representative Miro Quimbo, chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means and head of the LEAD Council, said lawmakers are continuing their work even during the congressional break to ensure concrete proposals are in place once sessions resume.
“By the end of the month, ‘pag nag-start na kami ng formal session natin ng first week of May, is meron na kaming nabuong batas that will address ‘yung urgent needs natin today,” Quimbo said in a radio interview.
He noted that the House has been conducting extended and back-to-back hearings since the break began on March 21 to speed up deliberations. The proposed legislation aims to deliver immediate relief from surging oil prices while also introducing structural reforms to reduce the country’s vulnerability to global market volatility.
Among the measures being considered are incentives to promote cleaner and more sustainable transportation.
Quimbo said the proposals include support for electric vehicles and related industries, with a focus on encouraging private sector participation through tax incentives rather than direct government spending.
“Kasama diyan ang pagbibigay ng incentives para makabuo tayo ng isang panibagong cars program na magpo-promote ng electric vehicle use, hindi lang sa gobyerno, pero pati pagbibigay ng tax incentives at saka iba’t ibang insentibo na hindi nagre-require ng gobyerno na magbigay ng pera,” he said.
The LEAD Council, composed of 13 House committees, serves as the central platform for the government’s coordinated legislative response.
Lawmakers aim to roll out a combination of short-term assistance and long-term policy solutions to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on Filipino households and key industries.