Lawmakers back Epira review to lower electricity cost

Speaker Martin Romualdez —official Facebook page of the House of Representatives

MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers have welcomed the move of Speaker Martin Romualdez to conduct a comprehensive review of the Electric Power Industry Regulation Act (Epira), which aims to lower electricity costs.

“We fully support this move by our leader in the House. If we can finally reduce the cost of electricity, this would be one of the legacies of our Speaker and the chamber he heads,” said lawmakers led by Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga, Deputy Speaker David Suarez of Quezon province, and House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe of Zamboanga City.

READ: Consumer group hits high power rates, bats for Epira amendment

They were joined by other lawmakers including the so-called “Young Guns” namely, Inno Dy V of Isabela, Rodge Gutierrez of 1-Rider Party-list, Jil Bongalon of Ako Bicol Partylist, Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur, Paolo Ortega of La Union, Jay Khonghun of Zambales, Mika Suansing of Nueva Ecija, Joel Chua of Manila, Migs Nograles of PBA Partylist, and Cheeno Miguel Almario of Davao Oriental.

In a statement on Sunday, the lawmakers pointed out that the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) has resolved to prioritize the passage of 28 bills, including Epira, before the conclusion of the 19th Congress in June 2025.

The lawmakers also said it is the ideal time to tackle the issue of lowering electricity rates as the House deliberates the renewal of the Manila Electric Company’s (Meralco) franchise.

“Let’s examine how Meralco can support the Marcos administration in reducing its power distribution rates. It’s time we alleviate or at least lessen the suffering of our people. Congress should address the issues created by the EPIRA law,” the lawmakers said.

They also pointed out that “reducing power cost would translate to economic progress.”

“The expansion of our economy has long been hobbled by high electricity rates. This problem has consistently been one of the top concerns of the business community since the enactment of Epira,” they said.

Earlier, the Speaker said the House would try to finish the Epira changes before Congress goes on Christmas recess.