MANILA, Philippines—Consumer advocacy group ILAW Pilipinas on Tuesday urged the government to adopt urgent measures to shield consumers from rising energy costs as the Philippines faces a surge in electricity prices.
The group issued the call after projections from the Department of Energy (DOE) indicated that electricity rates could rise by as much as 16 percent in the coming months, largely driven by higher global fuel prices associated with the war between the United States and Iran. ILAW Pilipinas said the potential increase demonstrates the vulnerability of the country’s power sector, which remains heavily dependent on imported oil and fuel for electricity generation.
With the Philippines relying significantly on foreign energy supplies, disruptions in the Middle East can quickly translate into higher electricity costs for consumers. The group warned that the projected increase could further strain Filipino households and businesses already coping with rising living expenses.
“The potential increase in electricity prices shows how quickly international conflicts can translate into higher costs for households and small businesses,” said Francine Pradez, youth convenor of ILAW Pilipinas. “Young Filipinos are inheriting an energy system that remains highly vulnerable to global shocks.”
ILAW Pilipinas also cautioned that higher electricity prices could contribute to broader inflationary pressures, noting that energy costs affect almost every sector of the economy. If the conflicts in the Middle East persist, economic analysts expect higher fuel and electricity prices to push up the cost of manufacturing, transportation, and other goods and services, as energy remains a fundamental component of the supply chain.
To cushion the potential impact on consumers, the group urged the government to consider immediate policy interventions, including the temporary suspension or reduction of taxes and tariffs on fuel and electricity. Earlier this month, the House of Representatives of the Philippines approved on second reading a bill granting special powers to Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that would allow the temporary suspension of the oil excise tax during periods of extraordinary fuel price spikes.
The group also appealed to consumers to adopt energy-efficient practices to help manage potential increases in electricity bills.
“We call on our fellow member consumer owners to use electricity wisely, conserve energy by unplugging unused appliances, and perform electricity-dependent chores during off-peak hours,” said Beng Garcia, national convenor of ILAW Pilipinas.
Garcia also urged key government agencies involved in the power sector — including the National Electrification Administration, Energy Regulatory Commission, and the DOE — to ensure efficient use of public funds while protecting the interests of electricity consumers.
While acknowledging the need for short-term relief measures, ILAW Pilipinas emphasized that the government must pursue long-term strategies to strengthen the country’s energy security and reduce dependence on imported fuel.
Pradez said accelerating the transition toward more stable and locally available energy sources could help protect the country from future global supply shocks.
“While the government explores immediate measures to ease consumer burdens, such as a four-day workweek, the country should also push for an accelerated transition to more stable and locally available energy sources,” she said. “Energy security is not just a policy issue; it is about protecting the future of Filipino families.”
