Sen. Bam Aquino said electricity subsidies should be funded through the national budget, not passed on to consumers, as he pushed for a Senate inquiry into current subsidy schemes.
Aquino filed a resolution directing the Senate Committee on Energy to review the design and financing of the lifeline rate and other mandated discounts, citing concerns that the existing cross-subsidy system unfairly burdens non-beneficiaries, especially the middle class.
“Middle-class families are also facing financial difficulties, and they should not be made to shoulder subsidies intended for vulnerable sectors,” the resolution said.
Pondo para sa subsidiya sa kuryente dapat manggaling sa national budget ayon kay Sen. Bam Aquino.
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) April 28, 2026
Naghihirap din ang middle class kaya’t hindi dapat manggaling sa kanila ang subsidiya para sa mga senior citizens at 4Ps beneficiaries. | RH 28 @RaymundDadpaas, DZRH News pic.twitter.com/KTJEoVauJb
Under the current setup, consumers help cover discounts granted to low-income households, senior citizens and 4Ps beneficiaries. Aquino said this adds pressure on households already dealing with rising costs.
The lifeline rate, mandated under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act and expanded by Republic Act No. 11552, provides subsidies to low-income electricity users. Rules from the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) allow up to 100% discounts for households consuming 50 kWh or less.
The resolution noted these subsidies can add around P20 to P100 monthly to non-beneficiaries’ bills.
Aquino said the review aims to keep subsidies in place while ensuring they are fairly funded and do not place undue burden on ordinary consumers.
