Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian today said consumers could now heave a sigh of relief, insofar as payment for their most recent utility bills are concerned, because the recently signed Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 provides for a 30-day moratorium.

Gatchalian said a provision in the measure assures a 30-day grace period for payment of utility bills covering those falling within the period of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) or modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

Gatchalian said that the payment of interests, penalties, and other charges would likewise be waived in the covered period.

“This provision in the bill will lessen the financial strain of the already overburdened Filipino families living in areas under ECQ or MECQ. For most of them, payment for utility bills eats up a big percentage of their monthly income and this is a relief to those having trouble making payments due to financial difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Gatchalian said.

The senator introduced the provision in the measure directing all institutions providing electric, water, telecommunications, and other similar utilities to implement a minimum of 30-day grace period for the payment of bills.

Gatchalian clarified that after the grace period, the unpaid bills of residential, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and cooperatives might be settled on a staggered basis payable in not less than three monthly installments, subject to the procedural requirements of the concerned regulatory agencies.

Even before Congress started deliberating on Bayanihan 2, Gatchalian said he had initiated moves to protect electricity consumers during the ECQ period earlier this year by urging the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to direct the distribution utilities (DUs) to allow deferred payment of bills since mid-March when the quarantine took effect.

His call was immediately heeded by the ERC, easing the burden of affected consumers whose payables are piling up.

“Malaking bagay ang Bayanihan 2 lalo na doon sa mga Pilipinong nawalan ng hanapbuhay o nabawasan ang kita dahil sa pinaigting na quarantine protocols ng gobyerno,” he explained. 

(Bayanihan 2 has a big effect on Filipinos who lost their jobs or earnings reduced as a result of government quarantine protocols)

“Para sa mga arawan ang kita, mababawasan ang kanilang mga aalalahanin sa kanilang mga buwanang gastusin at makakatulong ito sa unti-unting pagbangon sa hamon na kinakaharap nating lahat,” he added. 

(To those whose earn daily,  this represents a reduction in their monthly expenses and help in their recovery  from their challenges of poverty)