Hontiveros seeks Meralco disconnection freeze over bill disputes
Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros is calling for a freeze on electricity disconnections for consumers disputing Meralco bills due to alleged meter reading errors. She plans to file a Senate resolution to investigate the company's billing practices and improve consumer protection.
Why it matters
This highlights a significant consumer rights issue regarding utility billing transparency and the financial burden placed on households during disputes.
MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Friday called for a "disconnection freeze" for consumers who are contesting their Manila Electric Railroad and Light Company (Meralco) bills over alleged incorrect meter readings.
"Consumers who were erroneously charged should not be forced to pay disputed charges just to keep their lights on," Hontiveros said in a press release.
READ: ERC: Meralco 'bill shock' just following the law
"It isn't their fault that the meter reading was faulty. Consumers should not be the ones adjusting," she said.
The senator made the appeal after consumers reported unusually high electricity bills due to alleged erroneous meter readings.
Hontiveros cited one case in which a household was billed for electricity consumption even though its circuit breakers had been switched off while the family was away on vacation.
According to Hontiveros, Meralco later acknowledged that the billing resulted from a meter reader's error.
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