President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has called on Congress to swiftly amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to reduce electricity costs for consumers. The proposal includes removing system loss charges, which Marcos described as unfair, as they force the public to bear the cost of inefficiencies in the power sector. The call came during his fifth State of the Nation Address, where he emphasized the need for reforms to make energy more affordable for Filipinos.
The move follows growing public concern over rising utility bills and the impact of high energy costs on households and businesses. Marcos argued that the current system imposes an undue financial burden on consumers, particularly in a country where energy access remains a challenge for many. The proposed changes aim to streamline the power industry and improve efficiency, though details on how the reforms would be implemented remain unclear.
The EPIRA overhaul is expected to spark debate in Congress, with lawmakers likely to weigh the economic benefits against potential challenges in restructuring a complex sector. As discussions continue, the government faces pressure to deliver tangible solutions to a pressing issue affecting millions of Filipinos. (cebudailynews.inquirer.net)
