Sen. Risa Hontiveros welcomed the Energy Regulatory Commission’s (ERC) order directing the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to refund P14.17 billion to consumers but said the amount falls far short of what households may be owed.
While acknowledging the directive as a step forward, Hontiveros cautioned against treating the refund as a complete resolution, noting that it represents only a portion of what consumer groups estimate as total overcollections.
“Mabuti na ang may refund order pero huwag namang pinapaikot tayong mga konsyumer. Hangga’t hindi nababalik ang buong P100 billion, bitin pa iyan,” she said, describing the P14.17 billion as “barya lang” compared to the alleged total excess charges.
The ERC earlier announced that Meralco will begin refunding P14.17 billion next month. The amount is part of a P19.96 billion refund order issued in 2025, covering over-recoveries in distribution charges from July 2022 to December 2024.
Hontiveros said the issue goes beyond the latest directive, citing estimates from consumer advocates that total overcollections could reach as much as P100 billion. These estimates, she noted, stem from factors such as the weighted average cost of capital (WACC), possible inflation adjustments, and the computation of Meralco’s regulatory asset base.
“Mapa P14.17 o P19.96 billion, malayo pa rin iyan sa P100 billion na sinasabi ng mga consumer advocates na dapat maibalik sa mga konsyumer,” she said.
The senator urged the ERC to conduct a comprehensive and independent review of Meralco’s pricing and regulatory practices to determine the full extent of possible overcharges.
She also criticized what she described as an imbalance in the system, where electricity rate hikes are implemented quickly while refunds are released in installments over time.
“Yung refund nila ay hulugan, pero yung taas-singil, biglaan. Hindi dapat ganyan ang sistema,” Hontiveros said. “Bago ang kahit anong dagdag, ibalik muna ang sobra at itama muna ang singil.”
Hontiveros reiterated the need for stronger regulatory action to protect consumers and ensure that any overcollections are fully and promptly returned.
The ERC said the upcoming refund aims to help ease electricity costs amid continued pressure from high energy prices.