Legarda seeks review of VAT on electricity charges amid rising inflation

MANILA, Philippines – Amid rising inflation, Senator Loren Legarda urged the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Department of Finance (DOF), and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to immediately review the VAT treatment of electricity bill components that may be unfairly increasing costs. Latest PSA data showed overall inflation rising sharply to 7.2 percent in April 2026, from 4.1 percent in March, driven mainly by higher food, transport, and utility costs. For ordinary Filipinos, this means more expensive meals, costlier commutes, and higher electricity bills. Legarda said some electricity charges are not income of power companies or utilities, but EPIRA-mandated subsidies and […]...

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