Congress and government agencies must ensure that proposed reforms in the power sector result in lower electricity bills for consumers, saying Filipinos should experience real savings rather than empty promises, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go urged on Friday.

Go welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s proposal to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to prohibit electricity system loss charges, including the corresponding value-added tax (VAT), from being passed on to consumers.

“I hope the promise of easing electricity costs will not remain just a promise. What matters is that every Filipino family feels genuine relief in their monthly electricity bills,” Go said.

He noted that every peso saved on electricity expenses could help households cope with the rising prices of food and other basic necessities.

“Today, every peso our countrymen save makes a big difference. We must ensure that every reform we pursue has a real impact on their daily lives,” he added.

Go said proposals to reduce electricity charges deserve legislative support but stressed that they should undergo careful deliberation to ensure the reforms are consumer-oriented, technically sound and financially sustainable.

He also called for greater transparency and accountability in the power sector to ensure consumers are charged only for costs that are fair, reasonable and necessary.