Senator Bam Aquino is pushing for a formal legislative inquiry into the Philippines’ skyrocketing electricity costs, highlighting the heavy financial toll the high rates impose on low- to middle-income families and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Aquino filed Senate Resolution No. 508 on Thursday, directive for the appropriate committee to review inflated electricity bills and scrutinize existing energy policies. The goal of the investigation is to craft legislative reforms aimed at securing a more dependable, cost-effective, and sustainable energy infrastructure.
The resolution notes that the Philippines remains home to some of the highest power rates in Southeast Asia—a recurring issue that experts say dampens economic expansion and triggers skepticism regarding the transparency and competence of the energy sector.
“Bakit ang Pilipinas ang isa sa may pinakamahal na kuryente sa Southeast Asia? Kailangan nang malaman ang puno’t dulo ng isyung ito na nagbibigay ng mabigat na pasanin sa ating mga kababayan,” Aquino stated.
Lamenting the daily burden on ordinary citizens, he added:
“Sa halip na magamit ang kanilang pinaghirapang pera sa pagkain, gamot at iba pang pangangailangan, napupunta lang ito sa pambayad ng napakamahal na kuryente.”
A key component of the proposed probe is a thorough review of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to evaluate whether amendments are necessary to safeguard consumers.
According to Aquino, exorbitant utility bills heavily restrict the profitability and employment-generating capacity of small businesses. He called for transparent billing practices anchored on equitable regulatory standards.
“Ensuring affordable electricity must likewise be balanced with maintaining adequate generation capacity, strengthening grid resilience, modernizing transmission infrastructure, accelerating the adoption of renewable energy resources, and enhancing the country’s long-term energy security and climate resilience,” Aquino emphasized.
The call for an investigation coincides with a recent rate hike announced by Meralco, which raised prices by ₱0.3428 per kilowatt-hour this July due to elevated generation costs, maintenance shutdowns at the Malampaya facility, and higher transmission expenses.
The adjustment means an extra ₱68 expense for a typical household using 200 kWh a month.