A new bill filed in the Philippine House of Representatives aims to provide a 50% discount on electricity charges for households of minimum wage earners, intending to ease financial burdens and support basic needs.
The Philippine House of Representatives has introduced House Bill No. 8191, known as the “Ginhawa sa Kuryente” bill, which proposes a 50% discount on electricity bills for qualified households of minimum wage earners. Jointly filed by members of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD), the bill seeks to provide substantial monthly relief by halving the electricity costs for the primary residence of these earners.
According to the bill, this discount aims to increase disposable income available for essentials such as food, transportation, education, health, and other household needs, thereby improving overall well-being and stimulating local economic spending. The measure specifies the discount applies exclusively to residential electricity accounts for the household’s principal residence, with verification processes, anti-leakage safeguards, and periodic revalidations in place to ensure proper implementation.
The benefit will cover only one service account per qualified household and is non-transferable, prohibiting trading or assignment to other accounts. Commercial, industrial, or mixed-use electricity accounts are excluded, except under narrowly defined home-based residential arrangements per implementing rules. This bill reflects legislative efforts to support lower-income workers by reducing utility expenses, contributing to their economic stability amid rising living costs.
Sources referenced:
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/979211/house-bill-seeks-50-power-discount-for-minimum-wage-earners/story/