38 solons push consumer protection panel

The recent Supreme Court decision compelling the Manila Electric Co. to refund its customers some P30-billion worth of illegal overcharges has prompted a multipartisan group of lawmakers to push for the creation of a new congressional committee that would deal exclusively with consumer complaints and issues.

"This case (against Meralco) betrays the vulnerability of consumers to the oppressive and burdensome surcharges of large utility operators and service providers," Negros Oriental Rep. Herminio Teves said.

"This is instructive as far as we’re concerned. Meralco is (congressional) franchisee, and yet Congress failed to put in check its abusive pricing powers," Teves pointed out.

"Our experience with Meralco is just the tip of the iceberg. Filipino consumers continue to suffer daily from other inefficient yet costly utilities and services," Teves said.

"Worse, consumers are helpless when powerful utility operators resort to rate increases and other onerous charges," he added.

He cited the case of Manila Water Co. Inc., which recently decided to double its selling rate from P9.97 to P17.00 per cubic meter over the next three years.

"We’re duty-bound to provide a forum that would allow consumers to bring their grievances directly to Congress," Teves stressed.

The new panel proposed by Teves and 37 other legislators in a House resolution shall oversee the enforcement of the Consumer Protection Act and other applicable laws. It shall also recommend new measures needed to safeguard and advance consumer rights and welfare.

Co-authors of the Teves resolution were: Representatives Harlin Abayon, Roque Ablan Jr., Edelmiro Amante, Augusto Baculio, Alipio Badelles, Roseller Barinaga, Belma Cabilao, Roberto Cajes, Edgar Chatto, Erwin Chiongbian, Solomon Chungalao, Rodriguez Dadivas, Arthur Defensor, Raul Del Mar, Mauricio Domogan, Faysah Dumarpa;

Glenda Ecleo, Orlando Fua Jr., Jose Gullas, Eladio Jala, Simeon Kintanar, Marcelino Libanan,Teodoro Locsin, Emilio Macias II, Antonio Nachura, Rafael Nantes, Josephine Sato, Isidro Real. Jr., Sulpicio Roco Jr., Isidro Rodriguez, Filomena San Juna, Lorna Silverio, Aleta Suarez, Cynthia Villar, Antonio Yapha Jr., Perpetou Ylagan and Ronaldo Zamora.