ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro (Facebook)

ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro wants electricity bills waived for households severely affected by typhoon “Kristine”, as she highlights the need for “compassionate policies” to help communities recover. 

"Many families are already suffering, having lost loved ones and livelihoods to typhoon Kristine. It is only humane to relieve them of the burden of their electricity bills during such a difficult time," Castro said in a statement Wednesday, Oct. 30.

Castro’s appeal follows President Marcos’ order directing the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to explore flexible payment options for electricity bills in calamity-stricken areas. 

In a statement on Tuesday, Oct. 29, the president instructed the ERC to study the imposition of a moratorium on electricity line disconnections and payment collections from October to December 2024.

He said this directive is part of the government’s continued efforts to support communities in their recovery efforts.

Castro, however, pointed out that Marcos’ directive seemed “insufficient” given the massive damage typhoon Kristine dealt on millions of Filipinos.

“Hindi naman nalulugi ang mga electric companies kapag winaive ang bayad sa mga todong nasalanta," she pointed out.

(These electric companies do not lose money when they waive fees for those severely affected.)

With this, Castro said the government should waive the electricity bills for the hardest-hit areas to not only help families recover but to also “demonstrate genuine concern for the welfare of the people”.

At the same time, the congresswoman has urged electric companies and cooperatives to act swiftly in restoring electricity in affected communities. She noted that out of 352 affected cities and towns, only 228 have seen their electricity restored so far.

"It is imperative to restore basic utilities to ensure that recovery efforts can proceed unimpeded," she added.

Castro, a deputy minority leader, emphasized that the aid provided to support millions affected by Kristine should go beyond immediate food assistance.

She said substantial efforts in rebuilding homes and restoring livelihoods for the devastated communities are a must.

"The resilience of our people is remarkable, but they need tangible support from the government to get back on their feet,” the teacher solon stressed.

"We call on the government to prioritize rebuilding efforts and provide livelihood support to help our kababayan recover and rebuild their lives," she continued.

Based on the latest report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), more than seven million people were affected by the storm, with 145 confirmed deaths so far.

Kristine is estimated to have led to P2.83 billion in agriculture damage and P3.61 billion in infrastructure damage.