Sen. Bong Go renewed his call for the swift passage of a fuel relief measure as households face rising electricity costs, stressing the need for safeguards to cushion consumers from sudden spikes in essential expenses.
The appeal follows higher April bills for customers of utility firm Meralco, driven by increased generation charges, stronger summer demand, and the peso’s depreciation against the US dollar.
Go said the surge in electricity rates underscores the urgency of putting in place mechanisms that would help families better manage their finances during fuel-related disruptions.
Under his proposed Senate Bill No. 2033, or the Fuel Crisis Immediate Relief and Response Bill, the government would be authorized to temporarily defer payments for basic utilities such as electricity and water during periods of crisis. The measure also seeks to suspend mandatory contributions to agencies such as PhilHealth, the Social Security System, and the Government Service Insurance System.
The senator said these provisions would give households greater flexibility to prioritize essential needs, including food, transportation, and medicine, particularly for minimum wage earners.
He also urged policymakers to act before the full impact of rising fuel costs is felt, citing emergency measures like the Bayanihan laws enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Go raised the possibility of spreading out electricity rate increases over a longer period to avoid steep, one-time adjustments, saying a staggered approach would ease pressure on monthly household budgets.
While recent fuel price rollbacks have offered some relief, Go warned that volatility in global oil markets and ongoing geopolitical tensions continue to pose risks to consumers. He said these developments highlight the need for a permanent legal framework that can be activated during crises.
The proposed bill, he added, is designed to serve as a practical safety net for low-income families, ensuring they are protected from sudden increases in recurring expenses.