NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Fake News Claims Spark Probe Calls Over Viral Meralco Bill Video
Viral video online
Concerns over fake news and online disinformation intensified after a viral social media video showing a supposed spike in electricity bills triggered backlash from lawmakers and officials linked to the power sector.
The issue centered on a circulating video that compared two Meralco bills, one amounting to ₱724.47 and another reaching ₱7,009.64, fueling public outrage over rising electricity costs.
As the video gained traction online, Joe Zaldarriaga, spokesperson of Manila Electric Company, warned against the spread of false and misleading content on social media. He stressed that individuals responsible for spreading fake news could face possible legal consequences under cyberlibel and online bullying laws.
The controversy also drew the attention of House Committee on Public Accounts Chair Terry Ridon, who backed the call of Speaker of the House Faustino Dy III to intensify efforts against fake news operations.
Ridon specifically questioned content posted by Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), claiming that one of its viral videos about electricity costs may have misled viewers.
According to Ridon, the video featured two Meralco bills carrying different Customer Account Numbers (CANs), raising doubts about whether the bills actually belonged to the same household.
The first bill, dated October 6, 2025, carried CAN 2209188031 and showed a total amount of ₱724.47. The second bill, dated May 7, 2026, carried CAN 0494824258 and reflected charges amounting to ₱7,009.64.
Ridon said PGMN and the individual featured in the video should clarify why different account numbers appeared in the comparison and whether the bills referred to the same residence over time.
Without clarification, Ridon said the material appeared to constitute public disinformation.
At the same time, Ridon acknowledged that increasing electricity costs remain a legitimate concern among Filipino consumers. He said the government should address the issue through measures such as removing value-added tax and other charges from electricity bills.
Electricity prices in areas served by Manila Electric Company have remained a sensitive issue in recent months due to higher generation charges, fuel costs, and supply pressures affecting the energy sector. Several consumer groups and lawmakers have previously pushed for tax relief and reforms to ease the burden on households facing rising utility expenses and inflation.
Ridon, however, maintained that public frustration should not be exploited through misleading online content.
He also urged government agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, to look into the activities of PGMN and determine whether any violations may have been committed.
According to Ridon, a House resolution seeking an investigation into the matter is expected to be filed within the week.
The issue centered on a circulating video that compared two Meralco bills, one amounting to ₱724.47 and another reaching ₱7,009.64, fueling public outrage over rising electricity costs.
As the video gained traction online, Joe Zaldarriaga, spokesperson of Manila Electric Company, warned against the spread of false and misleading content on social media. He stressed that individuals responsible for spreading fake news could face possible legal consequences under cyberlibel and online bullying laws.
The controversy also drew the attention of House Committee on Public Accounts Chair Terry Ridon, who backed the call of Speaker of the House Faustino Dy III to intensify efforts against fake news operations.
Ridon specifically questioned content posted by Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), claiming that one of its viral videos about electricity costs may have misled viewers.
According to Ridon, the video featured two Meralco bills carrying different Customer Account Numbers (CANs), raising doubts about whether the bills actually belonged to the same household.
The first bill, dated October 6, 2025, carried CAN 2209188031 and showed a total amount of ₱724.47. The second bill, dated May 7, 2026, carried CAN 0494824258 and reflected charges amounting to ₱7,009.64.
Ridon said PGMN and the individual featured in the video should clarify why different account numbers appeared in the comparison and whether the bills referred to the same residence over time.
Without clarification, Ridon said the material appeared to constitute public disinformation.
At the same time, Ridon acknowledged that increasing electricity costs remain a legitimate concern among Filipino consumers. He said the government should address the issue through measures such as removing value-added tax and other charges from electricity bills.
Electricity prices in areas served by Manila Electric Company have remained a sensitive issue in recent months due to higher generation charges, fuel costs, and supply pressures affecting the energy sector. Several consumer groups and lawmakers have previously pushed for tax relief and reforms to ease the burden on households facing rising utility expenses and inflation.
Ridon, however, maintained that public frustration should not be exploited through misleading online content.
He also urged government agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Internal Revenue, to look into the activities of PGMN and determine whether any violations may have been committed.
According to Ridon, a House resolution seeking an investigation into the matter is expected to be filed within the week.
May 4, 2026
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