Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros has intensified calls for the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to return approximately ₱100 billion in alleged overcollections, arguing that the recent refund mandated by regulators is vastly inadequate.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) recently ordered the power giant to refund ₱14.17 billion to its customers starting this May. Under this directive, consumers will see a deduction of ₱0.2511 per kilowatt-hour on their monthly statements, labeled as “AWAT (Refund)/Collect.”
While the ERC shortened the refund period from 36 months to 12 months to accelerate consumer relief, Hontiveros maintains that the amount barely scratches the surface of what is truly owed.
“Hangga’t hindi nila nababalik ang buong ₱100 billion in overcollections, bitin pa iyan lahat… kahit yang ₱14.17 billion refund… ay barya lang sa totoong dapat matanggap ng mga konsyumer,” Hontiveros stated.
The senator clarified that the ₱14.17 billion is not a fresh initiative but rather the remaining balance of a ₱19.96-billion refund originally ordered in 2025.
This, she noted, proves that a significant portion of consumer money remains stuck in the utility firm’s accounts.
According to Hontiveros, the massive ₱100-billion discrepancy stems from several systemic issues flagged by consumer advocates. These include the application of an inflated Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC), the potential overstatement of Meralco’s regulatory asset base, and claims of double-counting inflation figures dating back to 2012.
The lawmaker urged the ERC to launch a rigorous, independent investigation into the country’s electricity pricing structures.
She criticized the current landscape where rate hikes are often implemented with immediate effect, while refunds are trickled back to the public in small installments over several years.
“Bawat araw na hindi naibabalik… nag-aadjust tayo sa mga gastusin sa bahay… Konsyumer na lang lagi ang naghihintay at nag-aadjust,” she added.
Hontiveros emphasized that the government must prioritize correcting these billing irregularities and ensuring total transparency before allowing any further charges to be passed on to Filipino households.