Collective Response to Presidential Commitments in the Energy Sector (Speech) 2/14/2026 скачать в хорошем качестве

Collective Response to Presidential Commitments in the Energy Sector (Speech) 2/14/2026

Meralco Theater, Pasig City February 14, 2026 President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced a series of measures to reduce electricity costs for low-income households and accelerate renewable energy adoption, including automatically enrolling Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries in the government’s Lifeline Rate Subsidy Program (LRSP) and expediting the processing of net-metering applications by distribution utilities. Speaking before government officials and Meralco executives during the ‘Collective Response to Presidential Commitments in the Energy Sector’ at the Meralco Theater in Pasig City, the President emphasized the importance of affordable and reliable electricity for daily life and economic growth, especially for families in remote areas. “Malinaw ang ating direksyon: palawakin ang koneksyon, palakasin ang kapasidad, at gawing abot-kaya ang presyo ng kuryente para sa bawat Pilipino,” he said, noting that his Administration moved to simplify access to lifeline discounts after finding that participation remained low despite the program’s long-standing availability. As of November 2025, only about 334,000 consumers were registered under the LRSP — roughly 11 percent of the more than three (3) million 4Ps beneficiaries expected to qualify. He attributed the low turnout to stringent and complex documentation requirements. “Ngayong buwan, ipatutupad natin, kasama ng distribution utilities o DU, ang automatic registration ng lahat ng benepisyaryo ng 4Ps sa ilalim ng LRSP. Ito ang uri ng pamahalaang ating itinataguyod. Hindi dapat ang Pilipino ang naghahabol sa tulong. Ang tulong ang dapat ang lumapit sa mga Pilipino,” he said. To ensure assistance is consistent across utilities and locations, the President stated that the government has established a new lifeline consumption threshold. Under the updated policy, 4Ps beneficiaries using 50 kilowatt-hours (kWh) or less will receive a 100 percent discount on their electricity charges. The Chief Executive announced reforms to the country’s net-metering program under Republic Act No. 9513, which allows households and businesses with renewable energy systems to export excess electricity to the grid, thereby lowering power bills. To make processing more efficient, the government has adopted a Joint Memorandum Circular signed by the Department of Energy (DOE), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), directing local government units (LGUs) to use standardized application forms and adhere to specified turnaround times. In addition, he said the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has ordered distribution utilities to complete the interconnection process within 20 working days after receiving a letter of interest. In closing, the President acknowledged Meralco — the country’s largest distribution utility — for supporting government initiatives, including expanding access in remote communities and backing reforms on lifeline subsidies and net-metering. He also highlighted the Terra Solar Project, which aims to significantly increase renewable capacity through large-scale solar generation and battery energy storage. “Progress in the energy sector — and in nation-building itself — rests on shared responsibility. Together, let us fuel a Bagong Pilipinas where energy powers our industries and guides our nation towards enduring progress and sustainability,” President Marcos Jr. said. * * Connect with RTVM Website: http://rtvm.gov.ph Facebook: www.facebook.com/presidentialcom and www.facebook.com/rtvmalacanang YouTube: @RTVMalacanang Tiktok: @RTVMalacanang