MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros said a refund order issued by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) against Meralco is insufficient, calling for the full return of what she described as billions in excess charges to consumers.

Hontiveros acknowledged the ERC’s directive for a P14.17-billion refund but said it falls short of the total amount that should be returned.

“Mabuti na ang may refund order, pero huwag naman sanang pinapaikot tayong mga konsyumer.

Hangga’t hindi nila nababalik ang buong P100 billion in overcollections, bitin pa iyan lahat. Kahit yang P14.17 billion refund na iniutos ng Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) sa Meralco ay barya lang sa totoong dapat matanggap ng mga konsyumer.”

She noted that the amount is not part of a new refund scheme, citing the ERC’s own statement that the P14.17 billion forms part of an earlier P19.96-billion refund order issued in 2025 that has yet to be fully implemented.

“Sa katunayan, hindi pa nga ito bagong refund scheme. Ayon mismo sa ERC, ang P14.17B na ito ay parte ng hindi pa naibabalik na balanse mula sa P19.96 billion refund na nauna nang iniutos noong 2025.

Ibig sabihin: matagal nang may perang dapat bumalik sa konsyumer. Hanggang ngayon, hinihintay pa rin.”

The senator said the refund figures are still far from the P100 billion in alleged overcollections, which consumer advocates attribute to factors such as a high weighted average cost of capital, an alleged overstatement of regulatory asset base, and possible double counting of inflation since 2012.

Hontiveros urged the ERC to conduct a comprehensive and independent review of Meralco’s rates and collection practices, and to order the full refund of any excessive charges.

“I urge the ERC to lead a full, independent, and comprehensive review of existing practices and rates in relation to Meralco’s collections. And it should not hesitate to order the full refund of excessive charges Meralco has made over the years.”

She added that delays in refunds continue to burden consumers, who are forced to adjust their household expenses while waiting for reimbursements.

“Bawat araw na hindi naibabalik ng Meralco ang sobra nilang nasingil, nag-aadjust tayo sa mga gastusin sa bahay. Konsyumer na lang lagi ang naghihintay at nag-aadjust.

Yung refund nila ay hulugan, pero yung napakalaking taas-singil, biglaan lang. Hindi dapat ganyan ang sistema.

Bago ang kahit anong dagdag, ibalik muna ang sobra at itama muna ang singil.”