Senator Mark Villar on Wednesday filed a Senate Resolution strongly urging all Government-Owned or Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) engaged in lending to provide immediate financial relief to Filipino borrowers and members.

The resolution specifically calls upon entities such as the Social Security System (SSS), Pag-IBIG Fund, National Home Mortgage Finance Corporation (NHMFC), Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), and Land Bank of the Philippines to implement loan moratoriums, grace periods, penalty condonations, and other relief measures to help ease the financial burden caused by the ongoing energy crisis.

In a news release, Villar said the resolution is a direct response to the national energy emergency declared by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. via Executive Order No. 110 on March 24, 2026.

The emergency was triggered by the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has led to significant increases in fuel prices, electricity rates, and the cost of basic commodities.

"Rising fuel and living expenses are squeezing the pockets of ordinary workers and families. We must act swiftly to prevent defaults and give our people breathing room," Villar stated.

The resolution highlights the GSIS Balik Ginhawa model as a practical example for other GOCCs to emulate in addressing these economic challenges.

Citing constitutional mandates under Article VI, Section 23(2) on emergency powers and Article XIII, Section 1 on social justice, as well as precedents from the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, this resolution urges government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) to implement the following measures:

• Loan relief: A temporary moratorium or refunds for one to three months covering salary, emergency, calamity, housing, and other loans.

• Mandatory contributions: Relief on contributions, including the possible condonation of penalties.

• Support mechanisms: Implementation of loan restructuring and expedited processing of calamity loans.

"Relief must be targeted, time-bound, and responsible. We protect borrowers today without compromising the long-term solvency of our social security and housing funds,” Villar emphasized.

To ensure this,he said all relief should include the following safeguards:

•   Automatic expiration after a maximum of three months or upon the lifting of the energy emergency.

•   Eligibility limited to borrowers in good standing.

•   No additional interest or penalties.

•   Automatic loan-term extensions.

•   Continued salary deductions where feasible.

•   Mandatory reporting to the Senate and the Commission on Audit.

The Senator called on the concerned GOCCs, in coordination with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Department of Finance, to act promptly as part of the government’s broader UPLIFT (Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport) response.

-Veronica Pulumbarit/Paraluman News