Benitezes cite power sector reforms outlined in SONA
Published Jul 27, 2026 11:07 pm
Two Negros Occidental congressmen said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s fifth State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) Monday was one of his most substantial speeches for focusing on reducing electricity costs, promoting government accountability, and addressing issues affecting ordinary Filipinos.
BACOLOD City Rep. Albee Benitez (Glazyl Masculino)
Bacolod City Rep. Albee Benitez said he was satisfied with the President’s address, particularly the proposal to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) by prohibiting the pass-on of systems loss charges and Value-Added Tax (VAT) on electricity to consumers.
Rather than rewriting the entire law, Benitez said targeted amendments to key provisions could hasten implementation and provide immediate relief to households.
He also commended the President for directly addressing public concerns with concrete policy proposals, describing the speech as one of the most impactful SONAs because it focused on initiatives that could improve the daily lives of Filipinos if properly implemented.
Negros Occidental third district Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez also welcomed the proposed power sector reforms, saying the removal of systems loss charges, VAT on electricity, and other consumer fees could translate into significant savings for households, particularly in Negros.
He expressed support for the administration’s planned income tax relief for middle-income earners and welcomed the President’s emphasis on accountability, including the announcement regarding frozen government funds.
However, Javi noted that the SONA did not extensively discuss the sugar industry and the creative economy.
While he appreciated the President’s recognition of artificial intelligence (AI), he said future policies should include stronger protections for creative workers and address AI’s environmental impact, including its power and water requirements.
He backed efforts to attract advanced manufacturing investments while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
NEGROS Occidental third district Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez (Glazyl Masculino)
Negros Occidental sixth district Rep. Mercedes Alvarez hopes the President’s commitments during the SONA will be translated into tangible results that Filipino families can truly feel in their everyday lives.
“For ordinary Filipinos, progress is measured not only by economic indicators but by affordable food on the table, lower fuel prices, more quality jobs, safer communities, accessible healthcare, better education, and faster, more responsive government services,” Alvarez said.
She looked forward to lower electric utility charges and said that SONA has always been an important opportunity to articulate the country’s direction and priorities.
“The work does not end with the delivery of SONA. It begins with faithful implementation, sound legislation, and genuine collaboration among all sectors,” she added.
As legislators, Alvarez said they remain committed to supporting reforms that uplift lives, strengthen institutions, and create more opportunities for every Filipino.
Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said the President’s priorities closely align with the city’s HEART Agenda, particularly in healthcare, education, digitalization, workforce development, sports, and environmental sustainability.
Gasataya welcomed the proposed amendments to EPIRA, saying preventing the pass-on of systems loss charges and VAT would help reduce electricity bills and ease the financial burden on Filipino families.
He added that the President’s recognition of local government units as partners in nation-building affirms the role of local governments in implementing national programs.
“We remain committed to doing our part and working stronger together to translate these national goals into realities felt by each and every Bacolodnon,” Gasataya said.
Meanwhile, the local government of Canlaon City in Negros Oriental on Monday welcomed Marcos' disaster preparedness initiatives outlined in the SONA, saying these would strengthen the city's capability to respond to emergencies.
Seth Bariga, Canlaon City Public Information Officer-designate, said the President's proposed programs would improve access to government interventions and help residents prepare for disasters.
"We have been facing disaster after disaster, from the eruption of Mount Kanlaon to super typhoon ‘Tino’ that caused massive and unprecedented flooding in the city," Bariga said.
He said while the national government had immediately provided relief and rehabilitation assistance following the calamities, more infrastructure and preparedness measures are needed, particularly if Alert Level 4 is declared over Mount Kanlaon.
Bariga noted that an Alert Level 4 declaration would require the evacuation of the city's entire population.
The city is building an evacuation center in Barangay Binalbagan, but what is needed is a bigger facility that can accommodate all residents.
Bariga expressed hope that the national government would establish a disaster-resilient evacuation center in Canlaon City that is capable of withstanding strong typhoons and earthquakes.
In his SONA, Marcos announced the construction of Ligtas Pinoy Centers, which are designed to serve as resilient evacuation facilities that can withstand powerful typhoons and earthquakes of up to magnitude 8.4.
Bariga also welcomed the administration's shift from reactive disaster management to a more predictive approach through the use of digital technology.
He said reliable telecommunications and real-time weather information would greatly benefit Canlaon residents, particularly during disasters.
Bariga recalled that during the onslaught of Tino last November, communication lines were disrupted, delaying emergency response operations.
"Canlaon City was cut off from the world," he said, noting that the lack of internet and telephone signals slowed coordination with provincial and national authorities, leaving the extent of the situation unknown until much later.
Bariga thanked the Marcos administration for prioritizing disaster preparedness and expressed optimism that additional resilient infrastructure would enhance the safety and security of residents. (With PNA)