Negros leaders back Marcos’ power reforms, accountability push

By Glazyl M. Jopson

QUEZON CITY — Leaders from Negros Occidental and Bacolod City welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address on Monday, describing it as one of his most substantive speeches for its focus on lowering electricity costs, strengthening accountability, and addressing Filipinos’ everyday concerns.

Bacolod Rep. Alfredo “Albee” Benitez said he was satisfied with the president’s speech because it tackled pressing concerns affecting ordinary Filipinos.

“I’m very happy with the speech,” Benitez said, citing the President’s proposal to amend the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), particularly the move to prohibit the pass-on of systems loss charges and value-added tax (VAT) on electricity to consumers.

The 2001 law restructured the country’s power industry and established the regulatory framework for electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and supply.

Benitez said targeted amendments to key provisions, rather than a complete overhaul of the law, could speed up implementation and provide immediate relief to households.

“It was more than just passing laws. The President confronted the issues head-on and gave concrete responses to the questions and concerns affecting the public,” Benitez said.

“This is one of the highest-impact SONAs because people can feel that they are part of the government’s programs. These are not just promises but initiatives that address everyday concerns. If implemented well, they will have a significant impact,” he added.

Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez also described the address as one of Marcos’ best SONA speeches, praising its emphasis on reducing electricity costs.

He welcomed proposals to remove system loss charges, VAT on electricity, and other fees passed on to consumers.

He also supported the proposed income tax relief for middle-income earners, which Marcos urged Congress to pursue as part of a broader package of tax relief measures.

“The reforms on electricity are very important because they can result in several pesos of savings for every kilowatt-hour consumed, depending on household usage,” Benitez said.

“This will greatly help families, especially in areas like Negros.”

Benitez also welcomed the administration’s commitment to accountability, citing the president’s announcement concerning frozen government funds.

He noted, however, that the speech did not discuss several sectors in detail, including the sugar industry and the creative economy.

Although he welcomed the president’s mention of artificial intelligence, Benitez said future policies should provide stronger safeguards for creative workers.

He also called for policies addressing AI systems’ environmental impact and their electricity and water requirements.

Benitez supported efforts to attract investments in advanced manufacturing but stressed that the government must uphold environmental regulations.

Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya said in a statement that the president’s SONA reinforced the direction the city had taken through its HEART Agenda, which he said closely aligned with the national government’s priorities.

Gasataya said the administration’s focus on health care, education, digitalization, workforce development, sports, and environmental sustainability reflected Bacolod’s efforts to improve public services.

He also welcomed Marcos’ call to amend EPIRA, saying a ban on passing system loss charges and VAT on to consumers would lower electricity bills and ease the financial burden on Filipino families.

“Easing this monthly financial burden can spell the difference between keeping a child in school and ensuring a family has enough food on the table,” Gasataya said.

Gasataya said the president’s recognition of local governments as active partners in nation-building was a positive development.

“We remain committed to doing our part and working stronger together to translate these national goals into realities felt by each and every Bacolodnon,” he said.