In anticipation of another public health-related national emergency, a lawmaker is seeking to institutionalize the enforcement of a moratorium on all residential utility bills for the entire duration of a declared state of calamity.
Under House Bill No. 6960 or the Utility Bills Moratorium Law filed by Rizal 2nd District Rep. Fidel Nograles, a moratorium would be automatically imposed on electric, water, internet, and telephone bills in areas where enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is in force.
While a moratorium would be imposed, their interests would still, be protected.
“We do not wish for another public health emergency to happen, but we must be realistic in expecting that the next epidemic is right around the corner. Right now, even as we are still grappling with the pandemic, we already have to cover the bases so we won’t be blindsided when the next public health crisis hits,” Nograles said.
If passed, the measure would prohibit holders of public utility franchises and all service providers from exacting payment or from disconnecting the service due to non-payment during the quarantine. Customers, however, are not precluded from paying voluntarily.
Any amount due and demandable during the moratorium period would also be payable without interest in a minimum of three equal monthly installments, which shall accrue a month after the state of calamity’s cessation.
“This bill is in response to the challenges encountered by our fellow Filipinos during the ECQ. Due to a confluence of factors such as limited mobility and disrupted cash flows, many people have been unable to pay their bills.”
“Marami ang dumaing na hindi makatarungan na maputulan sila ng kritikal na serbisyo dahil sa bagay na wala sa kontrol nila,” said the neophyte lawmaker.
Nograles reassured service providers that while a moratorium would be imposed, their interests would still be protected as the measure provides for government support if the state of calamity is prolonged.
Under Section 7 of the proposed legislation, “in cases of state of calamity involving public health emergency with implemented enhanced community quarantine that exceed a period of three (3) months, the government shall provide subsidy to service providers as determined by the relevant regulatory agencies.”