'Three-Gives Law' for utility bills during calamities pushed | Inquirer News

‘Three-Gives Law’ for utility bills during calamities pushed

/ 12:24 PM May 05, 2020

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MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis Tolentino has filed a bill that would institutionalize a three – installments payment scheme on basic utility bills during a state of calamity.

Tolentino filed Senate Bill No. 1473 or the “Three-Gives Law” as the country grapples with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

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“It is the intent of this measure to uphold the general welfare of the people and to assist their economic well-being immediately after the occurrence of natural or man-made calamities or health epidemics,” Tolentino said in the bill’s explanatory note.

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Under the bill, a moratorium on the payment of electric, water and telephone bills during the entire duration of a state of calamity will be imposed.

“Holders of public utility franchises and all service providers are prohibited from exacting payment or from disconnecting the service due to non-payment during the entire duration of the moratorium,” according to the measure.

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“Any amount due and demandable during the moratorium period shall be payable in three (3) equal monthly installments, without interest, which shall accrue a month after the cessation of a state of calamity,” it added.

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Earlier, the government ordered the moratorium on the payment of electric, water, telephone and other bills after the entire Luzon was placed under an enhanced community quarantine in a bid to curb the spread of the coronvirus.

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At present, only Metro Manila and other “high risk” areas remain under an enhanced community quarantine until May 15 while a general community quarantine has been imposed on moderate to low-risk provinces since May 1.

As of Monday afternoon, Philippine health officials have confirmed 9,485 COVID-19 cases in the country.

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One thousand three hundred fifteen patients have recovered while 623 others perished.

GSG
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TAGS: COVID-19, Nation, News, utility bills

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