3rd petition vs power rate hike filed

MANILA, Philippines - Left-leaning militant groups led by Anakpawis on Monday filed the third petition against the controversial P4.15 per kilowatt hour rate hike before the Supreme Court.

The groups asked the high court to declare as unconstitutional the Energy Regulatory Commission's (ERC) resolutions granting the rate staggered rate increase.

Power corporation Meralco had said the surge in electricity rates are attributed to the impending shutdown of the Malampaya offshore gas field project in Palawan, forcing power companies to source electricity elsewhere.

The latest petition followed the plea of the National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms and the Federation of Las Pinas Homeowners Association last Thursday.

The first petition by the militant Makabayan bloc of the House of Representatives also asked the high tribunal to stop the power firm's rate adjustments.

The militant groups also asked the court to order the creation of a body that would audit the differing Meralco rates since 2004.