Former Bayan Muna Congressman Carlos Isagani Zarate today denounced the Manila Electric Company’s (Meralco) announcement of another power rate increase for November 2024, calling it an unconscionable burden on consumers already struggling with the high costs of basic commodities.
“Is this how Meralco repays the people after getting their franchise renewal approved by Congress? By implementing successive power rate hikes?” Zarate said. (“Porke ba naaprubahan na ng Kamara ang bago nilang prangkisa ay balik na uli sa sunod-sunod na power rate hikes?”)
The progressive leader emphasized that instead of imposing additional costs, Meralco should advocate for the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity to provide immediate relief to consumers. “Meralco should push for the removal of VAT on electricity to reduce the burden on our people,” he added.
“This latest increase is unacceptable, especially since many Filipino families are already struggling to make ends meet. The supposed maintenance shutdowns of power plants seem more like a convenient excuse to jack up rates,” Zarate stressed.
Zarate called on consumer groups and advocacy organizations to unite and resist these continuous power rate increases. He also urged Congress to investigate these rate hikes and examine Meralco’s compliance with its franchise obligations to protect the public interest.
“We demand transparency from Meralco. They cannot simply pass on all costs to consumers while maintaining their profitable position. The government must step in to protect the people’s welfare,” Zarate concluded.#
