Akbayan Party-list Representative Chel Diokno on Monday expressed disappointment that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not include in the priority measures for the special session any bills or resolutions aimed at addressing high electricity rates, including a proposal to remove the 12% value-added tax (VAT) imposed on system loss in power bills.
The special session will be held on Wednesday, June 17, where both chambers of Congress will convene to tackle selected legislative measures deemed urgent by the administration, according to Malacañang.
“Nadidismaya tayo na hindi isinama ng Pangulo sa mga priority measure para sa Special Session ng Kongreso ang pagtugon sa mataas na singil sa kuryente,” Diokno said in a Facebook post.
According to Diokno, lawmakers should have included House Bill 9134, which seeks to remove the 12% VAT currently applied to system loss charges passed on to electricity consumers.
System loss refers to electricity lost during transmission and distribution, costs which are ultimately shouldered by consumers through additional charges in their monthly bills.
He also called for the inclusion of House Resolution 995, which seeks an investigation into rising electricity bills and other allegedly unjustified charges passed on to consumers, as well as House Resolution 875, which calls for a review of the Philippine Energy Plan to ensure adequate power supply and reduce dependence on imported fuel.
The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) earlier announced an increase in June billing, while the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reported a possible decrease in charges due to a lower overall transmission rate.
Despite his criticism, Diokno welcomed the inclusion of several education-related measures in the special session agenda.
“Gayunpaman, nagpapasalamat tayo na nabigyang-daan ang iba nating panukala para sa edukasyon, tulad ng pag-amyenda sa Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act; pagpapalawak ng School Feeding Program; at pagpapatayo ng Last Mile Schools,” Diokno said.
“Mahalagang matalakay at aprubahan ang mga ito ng Kongreso at ng Senado. Handa tayong magtrabaho at magsilbi para sa bayan,” he added.
Meanwhile, House Speaker Faustino "Bojie" Dy III and House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos expressed support for the President’s call for a special session, assuring coordination among House leaders in working with Senate President Pro Tempore Win Gatchalian.
