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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Help elderly Pinoys avail of electricity rate discounts, solon tells power firms

Help elderly Pinoys avail of electricity rate discounts, solon tells power firms

Published Jun 25, 2025 12:34 pm

At A Glance

  • Power companies should make sure that the country's senior citizens can fully enjoy the electricity rate discounts provided to them by law.
(Unsplash)
(Unsplash)


Power companies should make sure that the country's senior citizens can fully enjoy the electricity rate discounts provided to them by law.
Thus, said Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes, amid reports that many elderly Filipinos especially in far-flung areas and marginalized communities remained unaware of their entitlement to this benefit.
The recently reelected lawmaker emphasized that the elderly community faces challenges in availing the discounts due to lack of information and complex application processes.
“Our senior citizens have contributed so much to nation-building. Ensuring that they receive even simple financial relief, such as discounts on electricity bills, is the least we can do to honor their sacrifices,” Ordanes said.
“This can be realized if we prioritize massive and sustained information dissemination campaigns,” he added.
Ordanes said the electric cooperatives (ECs) and private distribution utilities (PDUs) should work with local government units (LGUs) to push for comprehensive information drives on discounts that can be availed by senior citizens.
These campaigns should include barangay-level briefings, clear and senior-friendly application guidelines, and simplified requirements.
Efficient implementation and public awareness are key to maximizing the intended benefits of the program.
Ordanes also urged the ECs and PDUs to proactively reach out to eligible senior citizens and facilitate an easy application process.
“Power distributors should go beyond business as usual and ensure that this benefit does not only exist on paper. They should be able to encourage senior citizens to avail and help them with challenges they encounter when doing so,” he said.
The Senior Citizens Party-list vowed that it will continue to work with government agencies and private sector partners to further expand benefits for senior citizens, and continue exploring programs that will consider the welfare of the elderly in the society.
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