Legarda’s Local Harvest Support Act protects farmers’ livelihoods, ensures food for communities

Senator Loren Legarda has filed Senate Bill No. 2051, or the Local Harvest Support Act of 2026, to strengthen food security and protect the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk at a time when rising fuel costs and soaring prices of basic goods are pushing rural producers to the brink.

“Kapag bumabagsak ang presyo ng ani at huli, ang magsasaka at mangingisda ang unang naaapektuhan. Sa Local Harvest Support Act, sisiguraduhin nating may tiyak na kita sila at may masustansyang pagkain ang […]

Legarda urges stronger environmental action this Earth Month

Senator Loren Legarda called on governments, institutions, and communities to confront the country’s climate and energy challenges through stronger environmental action, as the Philippines marks Earth Month this April and prepares to observe Earth Day on April 22.

She warned that the ongoing global energy crisis, driven by volatile fuel markets, supply constraints, and geopolitical tensions, is worsening household burdens, sending electricity and transport costs soaring, and in turn driving up food and commodity prices.

“When the cost of energy rises, everything […]

Legarda: Stop massive fish imports, support local fishers with VAT suspension on fuel

Senator Loren Legarda warned that the Department of Agriculture’s plan to import 300,000–350,000 metric tons of fish is misplaced at a time when fuel costs are already crippling local fishing communities, stressing that government must prioritize direct support through VAT suspension on fuel.

“Hindi natin puwedeng ipagpalit ang ating mga mangingisda sa imported na isda. Habang sila’y hindi makalaot dahil sa mahal ng krudo, ang gobyerno ay nagbabalak na umangkat. Ang kailangan nila ay tulong, suporta sa kabuhayan, at agarang ginhawa […]

Legarda: There are Bills Filed to Suspend VAT—Will the Palace Support Them?

Senator Loren Legarda on Wednesday urged Malacañang to take a clear stand on the suspension of value-added tax (VAT) on fuel, following statements that such a move requires an act of Congress.

“Madaming panukalang batas para pansamantalang ibaba o isuspinde ang koleksyon ng VAT. Nag-file na ako noon at nag-refile pa ako ulit ngayon. Ang tanong ngayon: susuportahan ba? I-cecertify ba na urgent? Kung hindi, malinaw na hindi ito prayoridad at ang gusto ng gobyerno ay tuloy-tuloy na buwisan ang krisis.” […]

Legarda: Don’t tax the crisis; the problem is rising costs, not lost revenue

Senator Loren Legarda said the government should not continue taxing fuel during a time of rising oil prices and then justify it as necessary to fund assistance, stressing that relief should come from lowering costs at the source rather than collecting more from the same crisis.

The Senator emphasized that the current situation is fundamentally a cost-driven crisis, with fuel prices directly affecting agriculture, transport, and the prices of basic goods.

“Ang VAT ay buwis sa pagkonsumo ng produkto. Pero kapag petrolyo […]