MANILA — Lawmakers from the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats have filed House Bill No. 8191, or the “Ginhawa sa Kuryente” bill, which seeks to grant a 50% discount on electricity charges for qualified households of minimum wage earners.

The measure aims to provide meaningful monthly relief for minimum wage earners by reducing their electricity bills, freeing up resources for food, transportation, education, health, and other basic household needs. According to the bill, this support could also enhance productivity and strengthen household spending in the local economy.

Key provisions include:

• The discount applies only to the household’s principal residence.
• Eligibility will be subject to verification, anti-leakage safeguards, and periodic revalidation.
• The discount is limited to one service account per household.
• Residential accounts only; commercial, industrial, or mixed-use accounts are excluded, except under strict criteria for home-based arrangements.
• The benefit is non-transferable and cannot be traded, assigned, or used for accounts other than the approved principal residence.

If enacted, the bill would significantly reduce monthly electricity expenses for low-income households, directly easing the financial burden on minimum wage earners.