Senate President Win Gatchalian renewed his call for the immediate enactment of the GINHAWA measure as another round of oil price increases threatens to further erode the purchasing power of Filipino consumers.

Gatchalian warned that continuing tensions in the Middle East could drive global oil prices higher, potentially triggering additional increases in local fuel prices and raising the cost of basic commodities and services, including electricity.

Authored by Gatchalian, Senate Bill No. 56, or the Granting Increase in Take-Home Pay for All Working Filipinos Act, seeks to provide workers with higher disposable income by raising the annual income tax exemption threshold from ₱250,000 to ₱400,000 and increasing the tax-free bonus ceiling from ₱90,000 to ₱150,000.

Gatchalian said the measure has become even more urgent as rising fuel costs put added pressure on household budgets, particularly among minimum wage earners.

“Kung magpapatuloy ang kaguluhan sa Gitnang Silangan, kailangan nating pabilisin ang pagsasakatuparan ng GINHAWA dahil ang mataas na presyo ng krudo ay lalong magpapahina sa purchasing power ng ating mga kababayan, lalo na ng mga minimum wage earners,” Gatchalian said.