Makabayan Rep. Sarah Elago, along with members of the bloc, pressed for action in Congress as fuel prices continued to rise, warning that prolonged inaction is already feeding into higher transport fares and basic goods, with effects felt across households.
Elago called on the House of Representatives to ensure that joint hearings on the oil crisis result in concrete legislative action, stressing the need to address both immediate price pressures and long-standing gaps in regulation. She said lawmakers must deliver “urgent, decisive legislation that directly lowers prices, stops profiteering, and dismantles the failed deregulation framework that has enabled cartel behavior for decades.”
ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio and Kabataan Rep. Renee Co backed the initiative, reinforcing the bloc’s position that existing policies leave consumers exposed during sustained price increases.
At the center of the push is House Bill No. 8765, which seeks to amend the Price Act of 1992 by classifying gasoline and diesel as prime commodities. The measure would allow the government to impose price ceilings during emergencies and strengthen its ability to act against profiteering and supply manipulation.
Elago and her allies have also filed a separate bill seeking the repeal of Republic Act No. 8479 or the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998, arguing that the current system limits government intervention during periods of volatility. The group is urging the executive to certify the measure as urgent to accelerate its passage.
Lawmakers also cited concerns raised in previous House hearings on pricing movements and the timing of pump price adjustments relative to global trends, pointing to the need for stricter oversight and clearer regulatory mechanisms.
Fuel prices have risen for several consecutive weeks, adding pressure on transport costs and everyday expenses.
