MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation to extend the “no power disconnection” policy for “lifeliners” or low-income Filipinos this month to help them cope with the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
The energy department told the President during the Cabinet meeting that lifeliners consume around 100 kilowatt-hours. While they comprise around 32 percent of the customer base, they only account for 3 percent of electricity sales.
Cabinet secretary Karlo Nograles said Duterte “readily agreed” to continue the no-disconnection policy recommended by the Department of Energy given that electricity is a necessity Filipinos cannot live without.
“Makakahinga na po ng malalim ang ating mga kababayan na mababa o walang kita,” Nograles said.
The no disconnection policy agreed upon by the Cabinet would be in place through February, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Thursday.
“The energy consumption from January and February are also included in the deferred payment scheme for lifeliners or the low-income consumers,” he added.
Meanwhile, Nograles said President Duterte also urged the Congress to pass a law that would extend the subsidized electricity rates for lifeliners to 2051.
“Minsan na po itong na amyendahan ng ating Kongreso, in-extend po yung benefits para sa lifeliners mula 2011 to 2021. Ngayon po ang hinihingi ng ating Pangulo sa Kongreso ay muli i-extend yung benefits from 2021 to 2051,” he stated./PN
