CONSUMA PH: LET CONSUMERS FEEL THE VAT RELIEF

MANILA — Consumer advocacy group CONSUMA PH welcomed the government’s move to remove the value-added tax (VAT) on system losses reflected in electricity bills, saying the measure could provide much-needed relief to Filipino households and businesses facing persistent cost pressures.

Former party-list representative and CONSUMA PH founder and spokesperson Atty. Nat Oducado said even modest reductions in electricity charges could make a difference, particularly for families already struggling with the rising cost of living. “Malaking bagay ang bawat bawas sa singil sa kuryente, lalo na sa mga pamilyang hirap na hirap na sa taas ng cost of living,” Oducado said.

The group, however, urged the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to closely monitor the implementation of the VAT relief and ensure that the savings are actually reflected in consumers’ electricity bills. Oducado said the benefit should not remain merely an accounting adjustment for utilities but should translate into tangible savings for electricity users.

“Dapat maramdaman ng consumer ang tax relief na ito sa kanyang bill, at hindi lamang makita sa accounting records ng mga utility,” he said. Oducado also called for clear disclosures from electricity providers showing how the VAT removal affects billing, including the amount deducted and the method used to calculate the resulting savings.

CONSUMA PH said the effectiveness of the policy should ultimately be measured by the amount consumers actually save on their electricity bills. “Ang tunay na sukatan ng policy na ito ay kung magkano ang tunay na natipid ng bawat consumer,” Oducado said, stressing that transparency and accountability should accompany the tax relief “hanggang sa huling sentimo.”