The House of Representatives “quinta committee” announced a shift in focus from addressing food affordability to pursuing reforms aimed at reducing energy costs.
In a report by Philippine Star, Albay 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda, chairman of the House ways and means committee and lead chair of the quinta committee, revealed that under Speaker Martin Romualdez’s directive, the House will push for a Php 206-billion refund, which was “disallowed” expenses of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).
Salceda added that the committee will convene a Murang Kuryente Supercommittee to address these issues.
Among the committee’s priorities is the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) finding of Php 206 billion in disallowed expenses from 2016 to 2020.
He added that the Speaker also tasked the committee to explore imposing windfall taxes on excessive profits in the power sector. The proceeds could be used to fund consumer refunds and initiatives like Pantawid Kuryente.
Previously, the quinta committee focused on House Resolution 254, which aimed to address rampant smuggling in the agricultural sector. This smuggling has been linked to rising costs of essential commodities and inflation, adversely affecting consumers.
The panel’s earlier investigations targeted measures to curb smuggling, combat price manipulation, and promote food and nutrition security through government programs.
Last September, the House adopted Resolution 2036, authorizing five committees to conduct a joint inquiry to propose legislative amendments addressing smuggling and consumer exploitation.
The quinta committee was tasked with investigating violations impacting consumers, based on House resolutions and privilege speeches referred to the panel.
Salceda noted that the ways and means committee will collaborate with committees on trade and industry, agriculture and food, social services, and the special committee on food security as part of the quinta committee’s joint efforts.
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