Task Force sought to reduce power rates

MANILA, Philippines - Several groups, including labor organization Trade Union Congress of the Philippines, have called on President Benigno Aquino III to create a task force that would bring down the cost of electricity rate in the country, the second highest in the world.

"By creating a task force on power, President Aquino can send a signal to potential investors to come in and invest here. Doing so, we can expect that the 10 million unemployed and underemployed Filipinos can be addressed," Alan Tanjusay, TUCP advocacy officer, said.

On Friday, TUCP and other consumer groups in Luzon,Visayas and Mindanao launch a movement called Pipol’s Power, aimed at bringing the cost of electricity in the country. 

The various  groups fear that the looming 39 centavos universal charge petitioned by the PSALM will be granted by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) any time this week.

The  additional charge is on top of the 36 centavos increase by the Meralco last Thursday.

The group include the largest labor coalition NAGKAISA, Mindanao Business Council, Mindanao Commission on Women, All Pinoy Volunteers, empower Consumer, KAMMP, and Lapocof.

"For an average 200 kwh residential household, 36 centavos is P40 to P60 while 39 centavos is P70 to P80. If we combine these, it will have a lethal effect on millions of ordinary working families whose monthly income is within the minimum wage," Tanjusay said.

"The President must do something about the cost of electricity as soon as possible to retain and attract more companies, thereby retaining jobs and creating more jobs," he added. - Dennis Carcamo