Pacquiao wants power rates cut by 30-50%

Presidential candidate Senator Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao vowed to cut the power rates at by 30 to 50 percent if he gets elected in the May 2022 elections.

Speaking to reporters ahead of his campaign rally in Northern Samar Tuesday, Pacquiao was asked about his plans to address the electricity woes in the province which experiences unstable supply and high rates.

“Isa yan sa mga aaksyunan ko,” Pacquiao said. “Gusto ko pababain and kuryente kasi tayo ang may pinakamahal na singil ng kuryente sa buong Asya eh. Gusto ko pababain siya ng 30 percent to 50 percent. Malaking bagay satin yan.”

(That’s one of the problems I will address. I want to lower electricity costs in the Philippines because we have the highest rates in Asia. I want it cut by 30 percent or 50 percent.)

The senator said hidden charges imposed by power companies allegedly inflate the country’s electricity costs. He vowed to eradicate such a system and stressed the importance of having an independent market operator.

“Ang sabi sa batas nating kailangan talaga alisin na yung mga company dyan at kumuha tayo ng tunay na independent market operator para makontrol ang presyo ng kuryente,” he said.

(The law states that we need to remove these companies. We also need to have an independent market operator  to control electricity prices.)

In February, Pacquiao proposed the construction of floating nuclear power plants to boost the country's energy supply and lower electricity bills.

He likewise said he favors the use of renewable energy sources in the country’s power mix such as solar, wind, and mini-hydro.—LDF, GMA News