Close to 100 lawmakers push for healthier food environments

The urgency for a Healthy Food Environment is undisputed, with 8 new legislative champions joining the push for front-of-pack warning labels and marketing restrictions to curb noncommunicable diseases. Support in Congress has now reached 92 lawmakers, reflecting expanding recognition of the need for systemic food policy reforms.

Newly filed bills include House Bill (HB) no. 9080 by Rep. Milagros Aquino-Magsaysay and HB 9429 by Rep. Jeffrey Soriano. Additional co-authors have strengthened existing measures: Rep. Ruth Sakaluran for HB 130, Rep. Carl Nicolas Cari for HB 6507, and Representatives Lolita Javier, Wilton Kho, Jan Franz Chan, and Edwin Ongchuan for HB 819.

With each new author and co-author, the coalition for healthier food environments grows stronger. This milestone underscores Congress’ increasing commitment to policies that protect Filipino families from hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and other diet-related diseases.