Legarda backs final approval of GIDA Schools Act, strengthening education access in remote areas

Senator Loren Legarda, principal author and co‑sponsor of Senate Bill No. 1937, or the GIDA Schools Act, which institutionalizes the support for schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDA), emphasized the urgency of inclusive education as the Senate approved the proposed measure on third and final reading on Monday, March 16.

“Education is a fundamental right and a powerful equalizer. Yet for many Filipino children living in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, access to quality education remains constrained by distance, […]

Legarda: Tax relief for families, accountability for government

Senator Loren Legarda stressed that tax reforms must bring relief to Filipino families while ensuring accountability in government spending. She assured that the revenue foregone from tax cuts can be recovered by addressing corruption, which drains far more resources than the reforms would cost.

On Tuesday, March 17, Legarda delivered her privilege speech on three tax reform measures: Senate Bill No. 1851, Senate Bill No. 1857, and Senate Bill No. 1963, designed to lower the cost of food, medicines, and electricity […]

Senate approves Legarda’s Veterans’ Month Act, institutionalizes national remembrance

The Senate has passed on third and final reading Senate Bill No. 1719, principally authored and principally sponsored by Senator Loren Legarda, declaring April of every year as Philippine Veterans Month. The measure establishes a permanent national framework to honor Filipino veterans, preserve their legacy, and strengthen access to welfare and education programs for them and their families.

Legarda said the bill’s approval during the March 16 plenary session affirms the nation’s solemn duty to honor those who fought for freedom.

“Our […]

Legarda pushes bill to cut excise and VAT on petrol products amid oil price crisis

Filipinos are being hit by relentless increases in petroleum prices that are driving up daily fares and household costs nationwide, with diesel prices increasing by as much as 24 pesos per liter , kerosene by 32 to 38.50 pesos per liter, and gasoline by 7 to 13 pesos per liter in a single week, as oil firms implement staggered “big-time” hikes. At current pump prices of around 70 pesos per liter for diesel, an increase of about 24 pesos represents […]

Legarda pushes to exempt basic goods, services, and medicines from VAT and reduce the overall rate

Senator Loren Legarda filed two bills to lower prices on basic goods and services while expanding value-added tax (VAT) exemptions for essential necessities and medical services.

These measures represent concrete steps toward a more progressive national VAT system, easing the burden on low-income households.

“The measures will immediately provide relief to those with lower incomes, helping them survive day-to-day and build a better future for their families,” said Legarda.

“By treating healthcare and daily subsistence as fundamental rights rather than taxable transactions, the […]