SENATOR Francis Escudero on Friday urged the Senate Committee on Energy to take up Senate Bill 498 that seeks to expand protections and benefits for workers in the power sector.
Escudero made the appeal following an announcement by Meralco that electricity rates would increase by P0.2226 per kilowatt-hour in February, resulting in an estimated P45- hike in monthly bills for typical households.
“Consumers are burdened by rising rates, but the linemen and frontliners who keep the grid running face risks and inadequate safeguards. SB 498 seeks to address this gap,” he said.
The measure authored by Escudero is currently pending at the committee level. It seeks to institutionalize safeguards and benefits for power sector employees, including linemen who often serve as first responders during typhoons, earthquakes and brownouts.
Strengthening worker morale and security, the lawmaker said, would help stabilize service delivery and prevent hidden operational costs that could eventually be passed on to consumers.
“Protecting workers is protecting consumers. SB 498 ensures that the people who keep the lights on are not left in the dark,” he said.
The senator tied the bill to the country’s energy transition, noting that the expansion of solar, wind and other renewable energy projects requires a skilled and protected workforce capable of integrating these sources into the grid.
“The bill is awaiting formal hearings. I hope the committee of Senator Pia Cayetano takes it into consideration. Consumers deserve fair rates, but they also deserve a power sector that is safe, resilient, and staffed by workers who know their welfare is valued,” Escudero said.
