Legislation eyed vs rising cost of goods

MANILA, Philippines — A party-list group vowed to prioritize urgent legislation that would address the skyrocketing prices of basic goods as soon as Congress reopens following the elections.

Galing sa Puso (GP) Party-list noted that many Filipinos, especially those in lower-income brackets, are struggling with the rising cost of goods.

Atty. JP Padiernos, GP’s first nominee, emphasized the critical need for legislative action to control price hikes and improve supply chain management. 

He added that these measures are critical in relieving the pressure on consumers, particularly those with low income.

"This issue needs immediate attention. Many Filipinos, especially those in lower-income brackets, are struggling with the rising cost of goods. This should not be happening in a country like ours, which is rich in agricultural resources," Padiernos said in a recent interview.

While acknowledging that global factors contribute to inflation, Padiernos insisted that the Philippine government can mitigate the effects through well-targeted legislative measures. 

"We can control the impact of inflation through effective policy. We must ensure that supply chains run efficiently and that the movement of essential goods is not impeded by unnecessary barriers or inefficiencies," he added.

Recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority showed that inflation surged to 2.9% in December 2024, largely driven by higher costs in housing, utilities, and fuel.

A pre-election survey by market research firm Tangere revealed that the public overwhelmingly wants their party-list representatives to focus on the rising cost of commodities, as well as tackling corruption and improving healthcare services, especially in rural areas.

Meanwhile, GP Party-list has bills filed aimed at fostering economic growth through sustainable solutions, including the development of waste-to-energy technologies, the establishment of industrial ecozones, and the creation of hatcheries to boost local agriculture.

"We are committed to finding long-term solutions that will not only address immediate concerns but also contribute to the country’s overall economic stability," Padiernos said.