The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) asked the the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to conduct a transparent and balanced review of San Miguel Global Power’s (SMGP) P34-billion recovery claim.
The business group cited the need to protect consumers while ensuring fairness in the energy sector.
“In the spirit of partnership, we encourage the ERC to lead a thorough and transparent review grounded in verified data,” the PCCI said in a statement Wednesday.
“Our shared goal is a sustainable energy ecosystem, one that balances the operational needs of power providers with the fundamental necessity of keeping electricity affordable for families and businesses,” it said.
The claim stems from SMGP’s pre-termination of its power supply agreement with Manila Electric Company (Meralco), a move later upheld by the Supreme Court.
While the PCCI acknowledged the company’s legal right to recover costs, it said the process should be equitable, particularly for consumers who may bear the financial impact.
The business group said constructive dialogue among stakeholders is essential to ensure fair outcomes and expressed confidence in the ERC’s mandate to safeguard consumer interests while maintaining a stable and investable energy market.
The PCCI said recovery mechanisms could include staggered or structured payment terms, caps on recovery charges per billing cycle, or other approaches to soften the effect on households and businesses, particularly in vulnerable sectors.
“By working together, we can uphold the integrity of contracts, ensure the financial health of energy players, and protect the economic well-being of the Filipino consumer,” the group said.
Othel V. Campos
