Philippines Senate prioritizes 2027 budget and tax relief measures

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said the Senate will focus on a swift passage of the 2027 national budget, calling it the most powerful tool for stimulating the economy. Key legislative priorities include the Ginhawa Bill, which would exempt workers earning up to ₱400,000 a year from income tax, raise the tax‑free ceiling for bonuses and remove taxes on overtime, holiday, night‑shift and hazard pay. The Senate also aims to curb the high cost of basic goods and electricity by amending the Rice Tariffication Law, strengthening the Energy Regulatory Commission, and revising the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act to improve price transparency. Additional agenda items cover the Magna Carta for micro, small and medium enterprises, infrastructure development through a Master Plan for Infrastructure and National Development, and measures to protect farmers’ livelihoods. These actions are presented as part of a broader effort to raise workers’ take‑home pay, lower living costs and create jobs while the Senate conducts the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte.