BUSINESS
Advocates Philippines
Ordanes Backs Review Of Power Taxes To Ease Bills
Photo credit: Meralco
Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes has thrown his support behind a Senate push to review taxes included in electricity bills, saying these charges are placing an unfair burden on Filipino households—especially seniors and low-income families.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ordanes said the growing call in the Senate to reassess power-related taxes is a welcome move, as many consumers continue to struggle with rising living costs.
“Power rates are already too heavy for ordinary Filipinos, especially our senior citizens living on fixed incomes. Every additional tax and charge on electricity only makes life harder for those already choosing between paying utility bills and buying medicine or food,” Ordanes said.
Lawmakers have been urging the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to study the possible impact of reducing or removing certain charges embedded in electricity bills, including the 12% value-added tax (VAT) and other government-imposed fees.
The issue gained traction during a recent Senate PROTECT committee hearing, where concerns were raised about how taxes, levies, and pass-through charges—such as those tied to system losses—are driving up already high electricity rates.
Ordanes emphasized that reviewing these charges could lead to immediate relief for consumers, noting that many Filipinos are already stretched thin by inflation.
He also questioned the current structure of subsidies in the power sector, arguing that the burden should not fall on ordinary consumers.
“Government should be the one carrying the burden of subsidies, not everyday consumers who are already paying enough. Hindi dapat ipinapasa sa taumbayan ang mga obligasyon ng gobyerno,” he said.
The lawmaker also expressed support for proposals to cut or remove the VAT on electricity, saying it would provide direct and meaningful relief to households.
The Senior Citizens Party-list, he added, is ready to back measures that aim to lower electricity costs and protect vulnerable sectors from what it described as unnecessary charges in monthly power bills.
In a statement on Wednesday, Ordanes said the growing call in the Senate to reassess power-related taxes is a welcome move, as many consumers continue to struggle with rising living costs.
“Power rates are already too heavy for ordinary Filipinos, especially our senior citizens living on fixed incomes. Every additional tax and charge on electricity only makes life harder for those already choosing between paying utility bills and buying medicine or food,” Ordanes said.
Lawmakers have been urging the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to study the possible impact of reducing or removing certain charges embedded in electricity bills, including the 12% value-added tax (VAT) and other government-imposed fees.
The issue gained traction during a recent Senate PROTECT committee hearing, where concerns were raised about how taxes, levies, and pass-through charges—such as those tied to system losses—are driving up already high electricity rates.
Ordanes emphasized that reviewing these charges could lead to immediate relief for consumers, noting that many Filipinos are already stretched thin by inflation.
He also questioned the current structure of subsidies in the power sector, arguing that the burden should not fall on ordinary consumers.
“Government should be the one carrying the burden of subsidies, not everyday consumers who are already paying enough. Hindi dapat ipinapasa sa taumbayan ang mga obligasyon ng gobyerno,” he said.
The lawmaker also expressed support for proposals to cut or remove the VAT on electricity, saying it would provide direct and meaningful relief to households.
The Senior Citizens Party-list, he added, is ready to back measures that aim to lower electricity costs and protect vulnerable sectors from what it described as unnecessary charges in monthly power bills.
Apr 30, 2026
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