FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List Representative Brian Poe lauded the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) for ordering Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to refund approximately ₱9.5 billion in overcollected charges to consumers within a period of six months.
Poe described the directive as a meaningful response to House Resolution No. 1126, which he filed to expedite the return of amounts collected in excess of authorized rates.
During the August 5, 2026 hearing of the House Committee on Energy, Meralco had initially proposed refunding roughly ₱9 billion over a period of 36 months.
While acknowledging that the utility recognized its obligation to return the funds, Poe insisted that a three‑year timeline was far too long for money that should never have been collected in the first place. “The ERC’s decision ensures that money is returned to our consumers much faster. The amount to be refunded is also larger than what Meralco initially proposed,” Poe stated.
Poe noted that the regulator’s swift action demonstrates that when government agencies act decisively, millions of Filipino families directly feel the benefits.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that the issue does not end with the refund, stressing the need for accountability and transparency. “Every Filipino consumer has the right to receive every cent due to them. Protecting consumers does not end with approving a refund — it is only fulfilled when the refund is accurate, complete, clear, and fully received by every qualified consumer,” Poe said. He added that lawmakers will continue exercising their oversight function to ensure commitments are honored and the welfare of every electricity user is protected.
metrosundaily
