Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes has expressed support for efforts in the Senate to review taxes embedded in electricity bills, saying these charges have become a burden on Filipino consumers, particularly senior citizens and low-income households.

The statement follows discussions during a Senate PROTECT Committee hearing on April 29, where lawmakers examined the impact of taxes, levies, and other charges on electricity costs.

Ordanes said power rates remain too high for many Filipinos, especially those on fixed incomes.

“Power rates are already too heavy for ordinary Filipinos, especially our senior citizens living on fixed incomes. Every additional tax and charge on electricity only makes life harder for those already choosing between paying utility bills and buying medicine or food,” he said.

The lawmaker backed proposals to have the Energy Regulatory Commission study the impact of reducing or removing certain charges, including the 12% value-added tax (VAT) and other government-imposed fees.

During the Senate hearing, lawmakers raised concerns that taxes, levies, and pass-through charges—including those related to system losses—may be a large contributing factor to higher electricity rates.

Ordanes said reviewing these components is a necessary step toward providing relief to consumers.

He also called for a reassessment of how subsidies in the power sector are funded, arguing that these should not be passed on to end-users.

“Government should be the one carrying the burden of subsidies, not everyday consumers who are already paying enough. Hindi dapat ipinapasa sa taumbayan ang mga obligasyon ng gobyerno,” he said.

The lawmaker expressed support for proposals to reduce or remove VAT on electricity, saying such measures could provide direct relief to households facing rising costs.

The Senior Citizens Party-list said it will support legislative and regulatory measures aimed at lowering electricity bills and protecting vulnerable sectors from additional charges.

Should taxes on electricity be reduced to help ease the burden on Filipino consumers?

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