Marcos wants electric bill moratorium in typhoon-hit areas

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday (Sept. 4, 2024) thanks the Indonesian government and lauds all law enforcement personnel for the arrest of dismissed Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo in Indonesia. (Photo by Ruth Abbey Carlos/PNA)

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Tuesday directed the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to study the possible imposition of a three-month relief on electricity bill payments in areas affected by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name: Trami).

According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Marcos instructed ERC to study the imposition of a moratorium on electricity line disconnections and payment collections from October to December 2024 in areas under state of calamity.

“To aid in recovery efforts, the President directed the ERC to study the immediate implementation of a moratorium on electricity line disconnection and payment collection for the period October to December 2024 in areas under State of Calamity due to STS Kristine, and staggered payments of electricity for the said months, as necessary,” the President’s statement read, as quoted in a PCO news release.

Last week, Kristine battered most of Luzon and parts of Visayas, leaving some communities submerged in floodwaters.