Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate. INQUIRER.net file photo / Noy Morcoso
MANILA, Philippines — An opposition lawmaker on Tuesday urged the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to waive its power rate hike this August.
House Deputy Minority Leader and Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate said in a statement the higher electricity rates would be another burden to consumers who are now locked up in their homes due to the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila and in nearby provinces.
Meralco announced on Monday that its customers would pay an additional 9.65 centavos per kilowatt-hour (kWh), bringing the rate to P9.0036 per kWh in August compared to the P8.9071 per kWh in July this year.
“This is the fifth consecutive power rate hike since March and it is expected to translate to an increase of around P19 in the total bill of residential customers consuming 200 kWh,” Zarate said.