Gatchalian: Bill removing system loss charges may be ready before Christmas
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian expects a bill removing system loss charges and VAT from electricity bills to be passed by the end of the year. The proposed legislation aims to shift the burden of system losses from consumers to distribution utilities.
Why it matters
This legislative move directly impacts household utility costs and energy sector regulation in the Philippines.
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday, August 2 expressed confidence that the measure seeking to remove system loss charges, as well as the value-added tax (VAT), from electricity bills would be approved before Christmas or the end of this year.
“I can actually see the legislation moving forward because there is already a meeting of the minds among the President, the House of Representatives, and even the Senate—where eight (8) senators have filed bills to eliminate the system loss charge,” Gatchalian said in Filipino in an interview with Radio DZBB.
“With a significant number of lawmakers—nearing a majority—having filed these bills, there is a consensus to approve the measure. I believe this can be finalized within three (3) to six (6) months,” the Senate chief added.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in