VP warns higher power bills amid El Niño scare

Vice President Sara Duterte warned Tuesday that household electricity bills could rise further as the country braces for the impact of El Niño, while sharply criticizing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s energy policies during a business forum in Manila.

Speaking at the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 52nd Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel, Duterte urged consumers to prepare for increased utility expenses as dry conditions strain energy supplies.

Duterte questioned the administration’s commitment to nuclear energy following Marcos’ recent remarks expressing regret that the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was never opened.

She said the government had failed to establish the necessary legal framework for nuclear power, comparing the president’s statements on the plant to his campaign promise of bringing rice prices down to 20 pesos per kilogram.

The Vice President added that the Office of the Vice President is currently preparing public information campaigns to help families, farmers, and businesses mitigate the impact of the weather pattern.

Meanwhile, national government agencies issued advisories across key sectors to prepare for prolonged dry conditions that state weather forecasters predict could persist into the first half of 2027.

The Department of Agriculture office in CALABARZON urged farmers and agricultural workers across the region to prioritize health precautions against heat stroke and dehydration while maintaining food production.