Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian is calling for more aggressive government spending to stimulate the economy after the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by only 2.1 percent in the third quarter of 2026.
Gatchalian said rising energy costs and the impact of extreme El Niño on local productivity had put considerable pressure on the economy, requiring immediate government action.
“The dismal 2.1% GDP growth in the 3rd quarter demands a need for an aggressive pump priming of the local economy. While the data reflects the tremendous strain brought by elevated energy costs and the impact of an extreme El Nino phenomenon on local productivity, a decisive and immediate action by the government is necessary to buck the trend,” he said.
Gatchalian said the Senate would prioritize policy interventions through the RISE ad hoc committee to help boost economic growth.
The senator wants the government to accelerate spending, particularly on infrastructure projects, while giving priority to social protection programs for vulnerable sectors.
“Magiging prayoridad ng Senado na pondohan ang mga line items sa panukalang budget na magkakaroon ng positibong epekto sa pang araw-araw na pamumuhay ng mga ordinaryong Pilipino na dumadanas na ng mataas na presyo ng mga bilihin. Wala na dapat mga palusot para tugunan ang pangangailangan ng ating kababayan,” he said.IMT
