Manila 2nd District Rep. Rolando “CRV” Valeriano has filed House Bill No. 8826, or the “AHON Act” (Agapay sa Hanapbuhay at Operasyon ng Negosyo), a proposed economic relief package aimed at helping workers, the middle class, and businesses cope with rising fuel prices and transport costs.

According to Valeriano, the measure focuses on reducing transportation, logistics, and daily living expenses to ensure that relief is immediately felt by households and enterprises.

“Kapag bumaba ang transport at logistics cost, ramdam agad ng lahat ang ginhawa. Iyan ang layunin ng AHON, tulungan ang manggagawa, middle class, at negosyo,” Valeriano said.

The lawmaker underscored that the bill directly addresses the needs of the middle class, a sector he said is often overlooked during times of crisis.

“Ang middle class ang kadalasang naiipit, hindi kwalipikado sa ayuda, pero sila ang tinatamaan ng mataas na presyo at paborito pang singilin ng buwis. Sa AHON, direkta nating binabawasan ang kanilang gastos,” he said.

Among the key provisions of the AHON Act are temporary reductions in toll fees, airport charges, and seaport fees to lower transport and logistics costs nationwide. These measures aim to cut commuting expenses, stabilize cargo and shipping rates, and help reduce the prices of goods and deliveries.

The proposed legislation also includes loan payment relief, such as payment holidays, restructuring options, and waiver of penalties, to ease financial burdens on households with housing, car, and consumer loans. It also encourages the suspension of utility disconnections during the emergency period, giving families more time to settle electricity, water, and internet bills.

In addition, the bill proposes fuel cost tax credits for logistics firms to help reduce transport expenses, which could translate to lower grocery prices and delivery fees for consumers.

“Kasama rin sa panukala ang tax-free wage support para sa mga manggagawa, interest-free MSME loans, LPG discount vouchers, at iba pang targeted relief measures upang maprotektahan ang trabaho at matulungan ang mga negosyo sa panahon ng fuel-driven inflation,” the Vice Chair of the House Committee on Ways and Means said.

“Ang layunin ng AHON ay pababain ang gastos sa transport, logistics, at araw-araw na pamumuhay. Kapag bumaba ang mga ito, ramdam agad ng manggagawa, middle class, at negosyo ang ginhawa,” Valeriano stressed.