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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Magkaibang account?': Ridon points out inconsistencies in viral electricity bill surge post

'Magkaibang account?': Ridon points out inconsistencies in viral electricity bill surge post

Published May 4, 2026 10:43 am

At A Glance

  • Rep. Terry Ridon calls out Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) for spreading possible fake news on alleged bloated electricity bills, warning against exploiting public frustration during economic hardship.
  • Ridon stresses that while rising electricity costs must be addressed through government measures such as removing VAT and other taxes, disinformation undermines genuine solutions.
Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)


Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon has called out the Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN) over possible fake news and disinformation on the issue of the alleged bloated electricity bills at a time of great economic hardship for many Filipinos.
"Rising electricity costs is a real concern which should be resolved immediately by government, particularly measures relating to the removal of VAT (value-added tax) and other taxes from electric bills," Ridon told House of Representatives reporters on Sunday night, May 3.
"However, it is a different matter if disinformation content is created and spread to exploit the frustration of ordinary Filipino households," the Committee on Public Accounts chairman said.
A recent viral post from Peanut Gallery Media Network (PGMN), which featured anchor Antonette Aquino, claimed a 900 percent increase in an electricity bill. This highlighted the numerous pass-through charges on customers.
The particular post garnered over 20 million views and 50,000 shares. However, it is not without controversy.
"A closer look at the PGMN content would should that the person in the video is actually showing electric bills with different Customer Account Numbers (CAN)," Ridon noted.
Ridon said the Oct. 6 2025 bill with CAN 2209188031 showed a total bill of P724.47. An amount of P7,009.64 was then reflected in a May 7, 2026 bill, but marked with CAN 0494824258.
The veteran lawmaker says the persons behind the post have some explaining to do.
"PGMN and the person in the video should clarify the reason why the person was featuring different Meralco account numbers, and whether these CANs refer to the same household over the last several months," Ridon said.
"Without it, this is clearly fake news and worse, public disinformation," the party-list solon said.

Related Tags

Terry Ridon Electricity bills Pass-through charges PGMN
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