Manila: Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III on Monday announced that the House of Representatives is committed to formulating an airtight Kalinga Act. This legislation aims to provide ordinary Filipinos with a robust defense against the financial shocks triggered by fluctuating fuel prices, as the 13-panel Legislative Energy Action and Development (LEAD) prepares to consolidate its hearings into a unified measure.
According to Philippines News Agency, Dy emphasized that the Kalinga Act should transcend being a mere reaction to the current oil crisis. Instead, it should serve as a standing commitment that ensures the government acts swiftly to prevent families, workers, commuters, farmers, drivers, and small businesses from enduring the full brunt of economic hardships before assistance is organized.
Dy articulated the necessity of the Kalinga Act to address a crucial concern: how quickly can the government respond when prices rise and families start to feel financial pressure? He called for a law that resonates with the populace, ensuring that aid is not delayed until after significant hardship has occurred.
To institutionalize a national protection system capable of early, decisive, and coordinated responses to potential fuel-driven crises, Dy and House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander 'Sandro' Marcos have introduced House Bill No. 8834. The House's 13-panel LEAD hearings, chaired by Marikina Rep. Miro Quimbo, have been organized to collect testimonies, sectoral concerns, and agency recommendations from various government sectors and affected communities.
Dy highlighted the importance of the mega-panel's ability to perceive the crisis from the perspective of ordinary citizens. It is not merely a fuel price issue but a chain reaction affecting markets, education, agriculture, transportation, workplaces, and family budgets.
As the LEAD hearings progress, the 13 committees will utilize their respective expertise to gather recommendations and consolidate them into the final Kalinga bill. The proposed legislation is expected to outline a comprehensive government response system triggered by sharp fuel price increases, extraordinary inflation, low fuel supply levels, or a national energy emergency declaration.
Dy stated that the final bill should clearly define the type of assistance provided, the timing of its activation, the beneficiaries, and the coordinated response of government agencies. The goal is to eliminate confusion during crises by establishing clear triggers, responsibilities, and assistance lines for vulnerable sectors and the middle class.
The House leader stressed the importance of creating a Kalinga Act that is both compassionate and disciplined. It should be generous enough to protect the public while ensuring that assistance is targeted, timely, and fiscally responsible.
Dy reiterated that the House's efforts aim to empower President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to respond to crises effectively, rather than merely critiquing agencies post-crisis. He described Congress's role during a crisis as one of widespread listening, careful study, and crafting legislation that equips the Executive with the necessary tools to protect the populace before significant damage occurs.
He concluded by underscoring the full meaning of the name Kalinga, which should signify prepared care that effectively reaches those in need without becoming entangled in bureaucratic processes. Dy assured that the chamber will continue collaborating with the Executive and all relevant sectors to construct a law that anticipates economic pain rather than merely observing it.
