Akbayan party-list Rep. Chel Diokno called for a review of electricity charges passed on to consumers, warning that households are being unfairly burdened by subsidies embedded in their monthly bills.
Diokno raised concerns over various pass-through charges, including discounts for senior citizens and low-income households, as well as renewable energy-related fees reflected in electricity costs.
While these mechanisms—such as the Lifeline Rate for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries—are mandated by law, he argued that consumers should not bear the cost.
“The people are already struggling amid rising prices. It is not right that they are made to pay more through these charges,” Diokno said, citing the combined impact of inflation and higher fuel costs on households.
He called on regulators, particularly the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), to revisit existing rules and assess whether the current system remains fair and sustainable.
Diokno also urged a broader review of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), saying its provisions allow power firms to pass subsidy costs on to consumers, including discounts intended for marginalized sectors.
He argued that electric companies, which operate in a regulated environment with guaranteed returns, should absorb these subsidies as part of their social responsibility rather than shifting the burden to the public.
On senior citizen discounts mandated under the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, Diokno noted that companies can already claim these as tax deductions, making it unnecessary to pass the cost on to consumers.
The lawmaker stressed that easing electricity costs is critical as Filipino households continue to face economic pressures.
“Let us not ignore the struggles of our people. They need meaningful relief, not additional charges,” he said.