Senate President Win Gatchalian has called on the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to closely monitor the implementation of electricity rate increases and ensure that consumers are charged fairly amid the recent power rate hike announced by Meralco for the July billing cycle.

Gatchalian said the increase places an additional financial burden on millions of Filipino households and small business owners, stressing the need for stringent regulatory oversight to verify that Meralco’s distribution charges are accurate and reasonable.

He also urged the ERC to require the staggered implementation of electricity rate increases to cushion consumers from sudden price shocks. According to Gatchalian, the ERC should actively coordinate with Meralco and power generation companies to ensure any additional charges are collected gradually.

The Senate leader emphasized that electricity is a basic necessity, saying Meralco and other stakeholders should prioritize the welfare of consumers alongside their operational interests.