GATCHALIAN CALLS FOR AUDIT OF FUEL COSTS, POWER CHARGES

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian has filed Senate Resolution No. 581 seeking an inquiry into the lack of regular fuel cost audits in the power sector.

Gatchalian said stronger oversight is needed as rising generation charges continue to increase electricity bills for Filipino consumers.

He cited data showing that a Meralco residential customer using 200 kilowatt-hours monthly saw their bill rise from about P2,350 in January 2025 to P2,970 in July 2026.

Gatchalian said generation charges are a major driver of high electricity rates passed on to consumers.

He also noted that fuel costs accounted for 86.16 percent of Meralco’s total generation charges in July, underscoring the need to examine how fuel costs are audited and reflected in power rates.

Source: PhilNews24 | August 7, 2026