Senators Push for Probe into Soaring Electricity Bills in Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Senators have filed separate resolutions urging an investigation into the rising cost of electricity and a review of policies in the energy sector, citing growing public grievances over the surge in electricity bills and alleged irregularities in meter readings and complaint processing. Senate Resolutions No. 508, 509, and 511, filed by Sens. Bam Aquino, Risa Hontiveros, and Ping Lacson respectively, aim to revisit and revise policies governing the energy sector, with a particular focus on consumer protection. Aquino highlighted that the Philippines ranks among the countries in Southeast Asia with the highest electricity costs. Data from GlobalPetrolPrices for the first quarter of 2026 indicates that the Philippines' residential electricity costs are second only to Singapore in the region, at approximately $0.18 to $0.21 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). "It’s time to investigate why the Philippines remains one of the countries with the highest costs of electricity in Southeast Asia and how we can reduce it," Aquino stated. Hontiveros, meanwhile, seeks to amend the Magna Carta for Residential Electricity Consumers to address what she terms "ironically unfair" consumer protection policies by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). While the Magna Carta grants consumers the right to question bills, it requires them to pay disputed amounts first to avoid disconnection. "Why are consumers burdened with the responsibility to correct the wrong collection of payments from us?" Hontiveros questioned. Lacson's resolution also calls for measures to strengthen transparency and accountability among power service providers and protect consumers experiencing "bill shock" and alleged meter reading irregularities. He cited complaints from consumers of Meralco, the country's largest private electric distribution utility, regarding "substantial and unexplained increases" in their bills. Meralco's residential rate reportedly increased from P13.2730 per kWh in January to P14.8261 per kWh in July. Groups like the Power for People Coalition have also urged the ERC to audit Meralco's billings and impose penalties for alleged anomalies in electricity readings. Aaron Pedrosa, lawyer and secretary-general of Sanlakas, stated, "The ERC was created to protect public interest. Consumers should not be treated as captive sources of revenue whenever fuel prices rise or generation costs increase." The coalition also urged the ERC to extend the no-disconnection policy during ongoing investigations. The ERC acknowledged anticipating consumer complaints and reiterated its reminders for the public to monitor their electricity consumption. ERC Chair Francis Saturnino Juan noted an upward trend in electricity prices due to rising demand, tighter supply, and other factors. Meralco is set to implement another rate hike this July, an additional P0.3428 per kWh, which translates to about a P69 increase for households consuming 200 kWh. Information source: Philstar Nation