Zambales Rep. Ma. Milagros “Mitos” Magsaysay yesterday challenged utility firms to be more transparent before implementing hikes in their rates and educate the people on what they are paying for before they impose new charges or increase their rates.
“The regular consumers are the most affected here because they cannot escape paying for electricity, which is expected to increase their rates in the following months, as well as water because these are necessities,” Magsaysay said.
“The issue of unchecked hikes in oil prices is a separate matter that needs legislative adjustments but, still, all these firms need to exercise social responsibility and explain the reason behind these adjustments,” she added.
Magsaysay said the need grows more urgent now that groups are questioning where supposed charges initially paid for by consumers went when the projects never materialized.
Instead of “hiding behind technical jargons” to justify their hikes, Magsaysay said utility companies must keep the explanations in their billings plain and simple.
“Explain in words that people actually understand so that they will be aware of where their hard-earned money goes. Also in this way, they will know if the new charges or the increases are justified,”   Magsaysay said.
“Let us empower the people because they also need to be heard. Let them air their questions and answer them honestly because the work that they do to earn for their bills is not a walk in the park,” the woman solon said.