MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang urged consumer groups to ask the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to reconsider its decision granting power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) a 36-percent rate increase, which takes effect next month.

At the same time, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the government would inquire into the status of its petition to compel Meralco to buy power from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) during off peak hours, among others, to bring down electricity rates.

"We hope there is a consumer group that will take the cudgels for the consumer," Ermita told a news conference in Malacañang on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the ERC granted the petition of the Meralco to raise its rates, but at the same time, ordered it to refund P3.9 billion in overcharges.