Senate President Warns of Fresh Power Rate Spike as Inflation Pressures Mount

Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian raised the alarm Thursday over an upcoming electricity rate increase by Manila Electric Company (Meralco), warning that the hike arrives at a time when inflation continues to burden Filipino consumers.

Meralco disclosed that October electricity rates will climb to P15.0615 per kilowatt-hour, representing a P0.3191 per kWh increase from September's P14.7424 per kWh. The distributor attributed the rise to elevated fuel and generation costs in the wholesale power market.

Gatchalian's concern underscores growing unease in the Senate about the cumulative impact of rising energy costs on household budgets and business operations. The rate adjustment comes as the country grapples with persistent inflation that has strained consumer purchasing power across multiple sectors.

The power rate increase is expected to affect millions of Meralco customers across Metro Manila, Calabarzon, and adjacent provinces, potentially widening the squeeze on middle and lower-income families already coping with higher prices for food, transportation, and other essential services.