November 12, 2025 — Senator Pia S. Cayetano convened the Senate Committee on Ways and Means on Wednesday for its organizational meeting and briefing with the Department of Finance (DOF), Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) setting the direction for the panel’s review of the country’s tax and revenue system. The wide-ranging discussion covered revenue collection, enforcement against smuggling and illicit trade, and proposals for more efficient and transparent fiscal policies. Cayetano called for stronger inter-agency coordination and evidence-based policymaking to ensure that tax measures are fair, effective, and responsive to the needs of the Filipino people.
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Photo Release: Hearing of the Committee on Energy on EPIRA
Senator Pia S. Cayetano, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Energy, led a joint hearing today to continue the review of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), focusing on key measures that aim to strengthen regulation, enhance competition, and address persistent issues in the power sector. The committee discussed Senate Bills which seek to amend provisions of EPIRA on competition, ownership, and governance. “Two decades have passed since EPIRA was enacted, yet we continue to face high power costs, regulatory gaps, and limited competition. We must determine whether the safeguards originally built into the law still work for today’s market,” Cayetano said.
The Senator emphasized that the ongoing review supports the country’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 on affordable and clean energy, alongside related goals on poverty reduction, decent work, and innovation. She also urged agencies such as the DOE, NEA, and ERC to provide clear, coordinated responses to long-standing challenges in the power industry. “These are not new issues. Our task is to balance investment, innovation, and consumer protection – to build an energy market that is efficient, equitable, and truly sustainable,” she said.
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Sen. Pia to DOE: Make Electricity more Affordable and Reliable
Senator Pia S. Cayetano encouraged the Department of Energy (DOE) to take decisive steps to make electricity more affordable and reliable, citing that high power costs remain a major barrier to growth for industries and small businesses.
Cayetano, who chairs the Senate Committees on Energy and on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Futures Thinking, emphasized that energy affordability and sustainability are critical to achieving the country’s economic goals, and its commitments under the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
She called on DOE to act with urgency, ensuring that public funds and consumer payments lead to real progress in building a cleaner, more resilient energy sector.
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Sen. Pia to PSC: “Let’s not treat our Athletes like commodities.”
“Let’s not treat our athletes like commodities.” Senator Pia S. Cayetano delivered this message as she called on the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) to strengthen oversight of sports organizations and ensure the welfare of athletes, coaches, referees, and other sports personnel during the budget hearing of the PSC under the Senate Committee on Finance.
Cayetano, author of the Student-Athlete Protection Act (RA 10676), raised concerns about continuing violations of the law among university leagues, particularly the UAAP’s transfer rules that restrict student-athletes’ playing years. She also denounced the UAAP’s “tiered system” that pays referees for women’s basketball games less than those officiating men’s matches, saying such practices “remain discriminatory, no matter what they are called.”
As a former national athlete herself, Cayetano urged the PSC to uphold the spirit of fairness and inclusivity in sports by protecting athletes’ welfare during and after their careers, ensuring gender equality, and working closely with LGUs to improve sports infrastructure across the country. -
Cayetano: “Reliable and Affordable Energy is the Foundation of Inclusive Growth.”
“Reliable and affordable energy is the foundation of inclusive growth”, Senator Pia S. Cayetano underscored as she opened the first hearing of the Senate Committee on Energy in the 20th Congress.
The hearing tackled the President’s SONA directives, the Department of Energy’s legislative priorities, and measures to strengthen the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) – which Cayetano called a “low-hanging fruit” in achieving energy security and advancing SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, alongside poverty reduction and sustainable development.
As Chairperson of both the Committees on Energy and on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Futures Thinking, Cayetano vowed to push for forward-looking, transparent, and inclusive energy policies to ensure that no Filipino is left in the dark. -
Photo Release: Senate honors Alas Pilipinas Men’s Team
“This is only the beginning for Alas Pilipinas,” Senator Pia Cayetano declared as she co-sponsored Senate Resolution No. 143 commending the Philippine Men’s National Volleyball Team for their historic performance at the 2025 FIVB Men’s World Championship. “I have full faith that they will continue to inspire – on and off the court – while carrying the Filipino flag with pride and humility.”
Competing on the world stage for the very first time, Alas Pilipinas proudly finished 19th among 32 of the globe’s best squads, a milestone achievement for Philippine volleyball.
An athlete herself, Senator Cayetano paid tribute to the players and coaching staff, recognizing their talent, resilience, and dedication to the sport. She also highlighted the Filipino fans who filled the arenas and cheered not only for the national team but for other countries as well, showcasing the Philippines as one of the world’s most passionate sporting communities. -
Sen. Cayetano urges support for stronger preventive and universal healthcare
Senior Finance Vice Chairperson Sen. Pia S. Cayetano pushed for stronger support for preventive and universal healthcare as she opened deliberations on the 2026 budget of the Department of Health. She raised concern over the under-allocation of sin tax revenues intended for Philhealth, urging that the full amount mandated by law be remitted. For 2026, she noted that only ₱53.26 billion was included in the National Expenditure Program, despite certifications from the BIR and BOC showing that ₱69.78 billion should have been allocated by law.
Cayetano, who is the Committee on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Innovation, and Futures Thinking Chairperson, also stressed the need to align the health budget with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, calling for better hospital infrastructure, more health workers, and interventions to reduce out-of-pocket expenses. She likewise acknowledged the recent Cebu earthquake and urged DOH to record its response and mobilize volunteers. -
Photo Release: Sen. Pia presides over hearing on DSWD’s proposed 2026 budget
“The true test of progress is how you take care of the most vulnerable. Ang hirap pag-usapan yung upper middle class, yung numbers, when we know that there are still millions who live in poverty,” Senator Pia S. Cayetano underscored as she presided over the hearing on the proposed 2026 budgets of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), its attached and supervised agencies, and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
As Senior Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Cayetano stressed that while government often highlights economic targets such as attaining upper middle-income status, genuine development is measured by how the poorest sectors are cared for.
She added that the hearing provides an opportunity for legislators to work with the DSWD to ensure resources directly address the needs of Filipinos who depend on social protection programs. “It’s our job to help DSWD perform its mandate well,” she told Secretary Rex Gatchalian and his team.
