Energy authorities must disclose the full basis, safeguards, and timetable behind the temporary suspension of the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

Bagong Henerasyon (BH) Party-list Rep. Robert Nazal demanded such from the Department of Energy (DOE) and Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), as he stressed that emergency action must not only address consumers' immediate concerns, but also investor confidence and the country’s long-term energy security.

While recognizing the government’s need to act in the face of intensifying global fuel price pressures, Nazal said that any intervention in the power market must be swift, clear, and accountable.

“Sa panahon ng krisis, tama lang na kumilos ang pamahalaan para protektahan ang mamamayan. Pero ang emergency action cannot be based on uncertainty, incomplete rules, or unexplained assumptions,” Nazal said.

(In times of crisis, it is only right for the government to act to protect the people. But emergency action cannot be based on uncertainty, incomplete rules, or unexplained assumptions.)

“Kapag kuryente ang usapan, hindi puwedeng mangapa ang consumers, generators, at investors (When it comes to electricity, consumers, generators, and investors cannot be left groping in the dark). The Filipino people deserve clarity, stability, and protection,” underscored the assistant minority leader.

According to Nazal, this simple question must be answered: What is the clear basis for the suspension, how will consumers be protected, and when will the intervention end?

“Kung ang dahilan ay extraordinary price volatility (If the reason is extraordinary price volatility), then the government must show the data," he noted.

"If the market is being suspended, then the public deserves to know the rules. If this is only temporary, then there must be a clear transition and exit plan,” he said. “We will support decisive action, but not vague action.”

"In this difficult period, our duty is clear: protect Filipino families from unjustified power costs, preserve investor confidence, and secure the long-term integrity of our energy system,” Nazal further said.

The lawmaker emphasized that ordinary Filipinos must be the first to be protected against sudden electricity price hikes. At the same time, it is important to avoid regulatory uncertainty that could weaken investor confidence, hinder power supply planning, and cause heavier impacts on the country in the coming months.

“Consumers need protection from price shocks. Investors need policy predictability. And the country needs energy stability,” Nazal pointed out.

“Hindi dapat pagbanggain ang tatlong ito. Ang tunay na mahusay na polisiya ay kayang pagsabayin ang proteksyon sa mamamayan, tiwala ng investors, at seguridad sa enerhiya ng bansa.”

(These three must not be set against each other. A truly sound policy can balance protection for the people, investor trust, and the nation’s energy security.)

Nazal also warned that without clear interim rules on dispatch, compensation, and settlement, confusion in the market could worsen precisely at the time when order and confidence are most needed.

“Emergency measures must be temporary, targeted, and transparent. Hindi puwedeng ang kapalit ng market volatility ay regulatory uncertainty (Regulatory uncertainty cannot be put in place of market volatility).

"If the government is stepping in, it must clearly explain how prices will be set, how suppliers will be compensated, how consumers will benefit, and how normal market operations will be restored,” he added.