Ejercito seeks Epira review as PH has highest rate in Southeast Asia

Sen. JV Ejercito — INQUIRER / NIÑO JESUS ORBETA MANILA, Philippines – Senior Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito called for a comprehensive review of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), saying the law failed to deliver its promise of lower electricity rates despite opening the power sector to competition and privatizing state-owned power plants. “Higit 20 years na ang EPIRA. Natuloy ang privatization. Natuloy ang competition. Pero ang hindi natuloy ang pagbaba ng presyo ng kuryente,” Ejercito said during the Senate Committee on Energy hearing. READ: Ejercito seeks review of oil deregulation, Epira, creation of fuel reserve Article continues after this advertisement Ejercito made the call after the Department of Energy announced that the Philippines now has the highest electricity rates in Southeast Asia. “Ang Pilipinas na ang may pinakamahal na presyo ng kuryente sa buong Southeast Asia. Hindi ito isang bagay na dapat nating ipagmalaki,” he said. Ejercito said soaring electricity costs leave Filipino families with less money for food, education, healthcare, and other basic needs, while businesses are forced to shoulder higher operating expenses that are eventually passed on to consumers. He said this also weakens the Philippine economy and continues to put the country at a disadvantage against its Southeast Asian neighbors. “Just last week, we were in another hearing, on the Master Plan for Infrastructure and National Development. We are trailing behind our Southeast Asian neighbors in terms of economic development because of these two factors—poor infrastructure and high electricity costs,” Article continues after this advertisement “What are other countries doing that we are not doing?” Ejercito asked officials of the Department of Energy. He noted that many parts of the country still experience power interruptions and rotating brownouts. Some communities even lack adequate access to electricity. Article continues after this advertisement Ejercito also warned that the Middle East conflict and the looming depletion of the Malampaya gas field could put further pressure on the country’s electricity supply. “I-unbundle natin ang mga dahilan kung bakit sa kabila ng mataas na singil sa kuryente, madalas pa ring nararanasan ang brownout at hindi maayos na serbisyo,” Ejercito said. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.