Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno expressed frustration on Monday over the exclusion of energy-related reforms from the upcoming special congressional session, criticizing the administration for bypassing measures meant to lower high electricity costs.
The lawmaker specifically pointed out that proposals to remove the 12 percent value-added tax (VAT) on system loss charges were left off the legislative slate for the special session, which is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, to tackle priorities set by Malacañang.
“Nadidismaya tayo na hindi isinama ng Pangulo sa mga priority measure para sa Special Session ng Kongreso ang pagtugon sa mataas na singil sa kuryente,” Diokno stated in a social media update.
Diokno has been pushing for House Bill 9134, a measure designed to abolish the 12 percent VAT on system losses—the cost of electricity wasted during distribution that utilities pass on to consumers.
He also called for the prioritization of House Resolution 995 to investigate rising electricity rates, alongside House Resolution 875, which seeks a comprehensive review of the Philippine Energy Plan to reduce the nation’s dependence on imported fuel.
The lawmaker’s appeals come amid a June billing increase from Meralco, despite indications from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) of a potential drop in transmission costs.
While critical of the administration’s energy priorities, Diokno welcomed the inclusion of several education reforms in the session’s lineup.
“Gayunpaman, nagpapasalamat tayo na nabigyang-daan ang iba nating panukala para sa edukasyon, tulad ng pag-amyenda sa Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act; pagpapalawak ng School Feeding Program; at pagpapatayo ng Last Mile Schools,” Diokno remarked.
He affirmed his commitment to the upcoming legislative tasks, adding:
“Mahalagang matalakay at aprubahan ang mga ito ng Kongreso at ng Senado. Handa tayong magtrabaho at magsilbi para sa bayan.”
Meanwhile, the leadership of the House of Representatives, including Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III and Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, expressed full backing for the President’s agenda.
They indicated readiness to collaborate with the Senate, led by Senate President Pro Tempore and acting Senate President Win Gatchalian, to fast-track the priority bills.