Malacañang on Monday announced that the proposed Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) Bill is being strongly considered as a top priority measure of the Marcos administration to fortify economic recovery, social protection, and assistance for vulnerable sectors.
The UPLIFT framework was established through Executive Order No. 110 on March 24, 2026, which declared a State of National Energy Emergency. It serves as a comprehensive, “whole-of-government” strategy designed to cushion the Philippine economy from rising domestic fuel prices and the widespread impacts of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
Speaking at a Palace press briefing, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed that the administration is actively reviewing the legislative proposal ahead of the next high-level meeting scheduled for May 19.
“The UPLIFT Bill has been discussed previously, so we will see if it will be formally included [in the priority list] or if alternative measures will be pursued,” Castro stated.
Addressing potential concerns regarding recent leadership changes in the Senate, Castro assured the public that legislative momentum would remain unaffected. She emphasized that agreements made during the previous Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting—then under the leadership of Senate President Tito Sotto—should transcend political transitions.
“If we have 21 priority bills that were last agreed upon in the LEDAC, nothing should change. Because this is for the people, a change in Senate leadership should not cause them to slow down their work. Delaying this would not benefit the public, the President, or Congress,” Castro added.
The push for the UPLIFT Bill builds upon the LEDAC meeting held on February 10, 2026, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. originally identified 21 urgent bills for congressional approval. The administration’s current legislative agenda also includes the Anti-Political Dynasty Law, the Travel Tax Abolition bill, and critical amendments to the Anti-Online Sexual Abuse or Exploitation of Children Act.
Through the immediate passage of the UPLIFT Bill, the executive branch aims to secure the legislative mechanisms necessary to swiftly mobilize emergency funds, protect consumer welfare, and stabilize essential domestic industries.
