Marcos wants moratorium on electricity payment in storm-hit areas

To further assess the damage brought by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday, October 25, 2024, conducted an aerial inspection in the National Capital Region, Cavite, Laguna, and Batangas. (Photos courtesy of MPC Pool)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to consider imposing a moratorium on electricity disconnections and payment collections in areas devastated by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).

In a statement on Tuesday, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said Marcos “directed the ERC to study the immediate implementation of a moratorium on electricity line disconnection and payment collection for the period October to December 2024 in areas under state of calamity due to Kristine, and staggered payments of electricity for the said months, as necessary.”

READ: No major damage to airports from Kristine, says transport chief

READ: NDRRMC: 14 of 125 reported deaths due to Kristine validated

In its 8 a.m. report on October 29, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said 14 of the 125 reported deaths due to Kristine were validated.

The agency also said the death toll they received increased to 125, but 111 of them are still subject to verification.