CitizenWatch welcomed Meralco’s announcement of a P0.3557 per kWh cut in December power rates, translating to around P71 in savings for households consuming 200 kWh — a timely relief for consumers amid rising prices this holiday season.

However, the group said Filipinos could have benefited more had key provisions of the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act (RA 12120) been fully implemented, particularly the VAT exemption on power generated from indigenous natural gas, which remains unimplemented eight months after the IRR took effect.

CitizenWatch noted that a House resolution has been filed to probe the delay, pointing out that proper implementation could have meant an additional P42 in monthly savings for residential consumers. The group urged the DOE, BIR, and other agencies to act swiftly, stressing that every peso counts for Filipino households.