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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Elderly solon calls move to scrap VAT on electricity 'a clear act of compassion'

Elderly solon calls move to scrap VAT on electricity 'a clear act of compassion'

Published Oct 12, 2025 02:36 pm

At A Glance

  • Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo "Ompong" Ordanes has backed the Department of Energy's (DOE) pitch to get rid of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity, saying the measure would ease the financial burden on senior citizens.
Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)


Senior Citizens Party-list Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes has backed the Department of Energy’s (DOE) pitch to get rid of the Value Added Tax (VAT) on electricity, saying the measure would ease the financial burden of senior citizens.
“For many of us, electricity is not just a basic need but a lifeline for every home. For senior citizens, access to electricity equates to comfort and safety which is very important for the vulnerable sector of the society,” Ordanes said in a statement Sunday, Oct. 12.
The elderly lawmaker went on to commend DOE Secretary Sharon Garin for pushing to eliminate VAT on power consumption. He called fhe initiative a "clear act of compassion".
“Many seniors still shoulder the cost of electricity in their households. That is why we are ready to work hand in hand with the DOE to ensure that this initiative gets the attention it deserves," he noted.
"This will not only ease the struggles of our elderly but also guarantee a more comfortable life through continued access to electricity,” Ordanes said.
Beyond removing VAT, the Senior Citizens Party-list continues to advocate for an increase in electricity discounts for indigent and low-consuming seniors. Under current rules, senior citizens who consume up to 100 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month are entitled to a 5 percent discount.
“To further reduce their expenses, we have filed House Bill No. 434, which seeks to raise the discount to 15 percent for senior citizens under the same category,” he said.
The party-list has since expressed support to enterprises and utilities that actively implement the senior citizen discount, citing them as proof that the private sector and government must work together for the welfare of society.
Recently, Ordanes attended the Household Electrification Program lighting ceremony of the One Meralco Foundation (OMF) in Novaliches, Quezon City, where more than 160 households were given direct access to stable and reliable electricity.
“I saw the joy on the faces of the elderly beneficiaries who can now enjoy the benefits of having electricity in their homes,” he shared.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to championing fair and inclusive access to electricity for all Filipinos, especially the elderly.
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