Manila: From fuel pumps to monthly electricity bills, the Senate Committee on Energy will translate President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) into legislative action aimed at tightening price scrutiny and reducing consumers' energy burden. Committee chairperson Senator Erwin Tulfo said Monday the Senate would revisit the Oil Deregulation Law to give the government a stronger role in determining whether petroleum price increases are justified.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tulfo said the proposed amendments could require greater transparency in fuel pricing rather than leave the government with little room to intervene whenever oil companies announce increases. Tulfo also floated a price-guide mechanism similar to a suggested retail price to provide consumers with a clearer benchmark for petroleum products.

The energy panel will also examine system-loss charges passed on to electricity consumers, which Tulfo questioned because households shoulder costs arising from electricity lost during transmission and distribution. He said the issue would be included in the committee's energy hearing on Thursday, along with proposals to reduce other charges embedded in power bills.

Tulfo also expressed openness to reviewing the value-added tax imposed on electricity consumers. He suggested exploring options to relieve consumers from paying VAT, emphasizing the need for discussion on the matter.

On Marcos' proposal to revisit nuclear energy, Tulfo acknowledged its potential for providing cheaper electricity but stressed the importance of strict safety safeguards and experienced contractors. He emphasized that nuclear technology, already used in medicine, could enhance the country's electricity supply once concerns over accidents, plant safety, and technical capacity are addressed. Tulfo also advocated for nuclear projects to be undertaken by experienced foreign companies to ensure compliance with international standards.

Tulfo concluded by stating that the Senate energy panel would evaluate the proposals through hearings and legislation, with the goal of ensuring that the energy priorities raised in the SONA result in lower costs, stronger regulation, and greater protection for consumers.