By MANILA, Philippines — While it is good to have electric power subsidies for senior citizens and lifeline users, along with support for clean energy, the costs needed for these advocacies should not be passed on to consumers who are also struggling, two lawmakers said.
Amid netizens’ scrutiny of their electric bills, Murang Kuryente party-list Rep. Arthur Yap said there is no problem with supporting initiatives for renewable energy sources and assistance to other sectors, provided that these are funded from the government’s annual budget, not from consumers.
“We want to attract many investors towards renewable energy, like solar power, wind, tidal wave […], and geothermal. Yes, we want investors to come in, but why are consumers made to pay the subsidies to attract the investors?” Yap said in a video statement shared to reporters on Monday.
