Manila Electric Co. consumers led by the Power for People Coalition hailed Wednesday the declaration of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) stating that they would postpone the disconnection of non-paying customers until the end of the year.
P4P led a mass mobilization of Meralco consumers the previous week in which actions were simultaneously staged in front of the power distribution utility’s offices across the metropolis and surrounding provinces.
“We are grateful that clamor of Meralco’s long-suffering residential consumers delivered results in the form of Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ question and the ERC’s answer. Once ERC delivers on its promise, it would give breathing space to all Filipinos who have to worry about their electric bills even as they battle the pandemic, online schooling for their children, and possible loss of their livelihoods. But of course, this is just the first step in dealing with the true issue: Meralco’s continuous overpricing and unfair billing practices,” said Gerry Arances, P4P convenor, in a statement.
P4P is currently conducting an online petition campaign called #TigilBayad which which seeks a moratorium on payment for bills issued during the enhanced community quarantine until after demands for fair electricity rates, a more flexible payment scheme, a return of all pending refunds, reforms in Meralco billing practices, and an independent audit of the distribution utility have been met.
