Former Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate has denounced Meralco for imposing another power rate hike this month, warning that the increase will worsen the financial burden on Filipino consumers already grappling with the soaring costs of living.
Zarate criticized the utility giant after Meralco announced a P0.26 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) hike, translating to an additional P53 for households consuming an average of 200 kWh monthly.
“Once again, Meralco is squeezing more from consumers who are already struggling with rising prices of basic goods. This latest rate hike is unacceptable, especially when there are unresolved issues of overcharging that Meralco has yet to fully account for,” Zarate said.
He further added in Filipino, “Muli na namang pinapasan sa taumbayan ang panibagong taas-singil sa kuryente. Sa gitna ng napakataas na presyo ng bilihin at serbisyo, dagdag na pahirap ito sa mga ordinaryong mamamayan.”
Call for Regulatory Action
Zarate also called on the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to conduct a comprehensive investigation into Meralco’s billing practices and history of overcollections.
“The ERC must act now and launch a full audit of Meralco’s charges. Consumers deserve transparency and accountability, not just endless rate hikes and token refunds,” Zarate stressed.
He warned that without decisive action from regulators, Meralco could continue “exploiting” its customers. “Hindi dapat nagtatapos sa refund lang—kailangang may pananagutan ang mga nasa likod ng paulit-ulit na sobrang paniningil,” he added.
Recurring Controversies
Bayan Muna and several consumer groups have long flagged irregularities in Meralco’s billing, citing multiple issues such as:
P29 billion in overrecovered distribution charges between 2013 and 2018, flagged by consumer advocates in 2019;
A P66 billion discrepancy in Meralco’s reported power purchases for 2019, still awaiting an independent audit;
A P4.05 billion premium payment to Quezon Power in 2020, which was allegedly 52% above the average cost of coal power at the time.
“These instances show a disturbing pattern that regulators and government authorities must no longer ignore,” Zarate said.
Push for Consumer Protection
Zarate emphasized that consumer welfare should take precedence over corporate profits, calling on the Marcos administration and lawmakers to introduce stronger regulations to curb what he called “abusive pricing” practices.
“The government must step in and put an end to these abusive power rate increases. Consumers are not cash cows for big corporations,” Zarate said. “We need stricter regulations and real accountability.”
Zarate and Bayan Muna vowed to continue pushing for reforms aimed at lowering electricity rates and protecting Filipino households from further financial strain.