Speaker to push bills on attaining UMIC goal

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Martin Romualdez vowed yesterday to push for more measures that will reinforce the goal of achieving upper-middle income country or UMIC status for the Philippines.

“Our goal is to create a policy environment that supports job creation, raises incomes and ensures that economic gains are felt across all sectors of society,” Romualdez said in a statement.

According to the World Bank’s latest classification, the Philippines remains in the lower-middle income category with a gross national income per capita of $4,470 in 2024.

Romualdez said the House should work closely with the Department of Budget and Management to ensure that the 2026 national budget, which is set at P6.793 trillion, will serve as a key to accelerate progress.

“We want the national budget to reflect our shared goals of lifting more Filipinos out of poverty, closing inequality gaps and making government services more efficient and accessible,” Romualdez said.

He said it is also crucial for legislative priorities to include measures that strengthen food security, increase access to affordable health care and education and expand infrastructure development.

“Achieving upper-middle income status is a meaningful milestone, but more important is ensuring that growth leads to tangible improvements in the lives of our people,” Romualdez said.

“We are committed to legislation that enables broad-based progress and economic security for all Filipinos,” he added.