Senator Win Gatchalian is pushing for a Senate inquiry into the competitiveness of the Philippine power sector to ensure lower electricity rates and a more reliable energy supply.
Filing Senate Resolution 1353, Gatchalian cited the need to examine the market concentration and cross-ownerships in the energy industry, which could be hampering genuine competition and keeping electricity costs high.
“Kung iilan lang ang kumokontrol sa industriya, paano natin masisiguro ang pinakamurang kuryente?” said Gatchalian, vice chair of the Senate Energy Committee.
He noted that Filipino households pay one of the highest electricity rates in Southeast Asia—P11.32 per kWh, 40.4% above the regional average.
The inquiry aims to align the industry with the goals of the EPIRA and Philippine Competition Act, both of which promote market competitiveness and consumer protection.
