Consumers slam Meralco pass on charges, launch campaign against costly electricity

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Amid consecutive rate hikes, the Power for People Coalition (P4P) on Thursday slammed the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) for continuing to choose to pass on higher costs of electricity to consumers - including, recently, the landed cost of gas-powered plants operated by FirstGen right after the end of passed-on spot market costs collection this month.

Landed cost refers to the expenses in the storage and regasification of liquefied natural gas (LNG) – which is the state in which gas is transported from sources overseas. Meralco has also been collecting additional pass-on charges from its consumers since June, ending in September, from the cost of procuring electricity from the spot market in the summer, when the grid suffered numerous yellow and red alerts.

“Meralco has stumbled upon a new way to collect even more money from consumers – it will make consumers pay for the consequences of its bad decisions on using fossil fuels on top of the pass-on charges it already collects on the market cost of these said energy sources. The consumer is hit with a trifecta – they pay for the cost to generate and deliver electricity, they pay for the cost of the fuel to produce the electricity, and then they pay yet again for the failure of power plants to deliver the expensive electricity because DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla and the big energy players continue to promote coal and gas. In allowing landed costs to be included in the recovery, Meralco is paving the path for everyone in the power industry to make money at the expense of ordinary consumers,” said Gerry Arances, P4P Convenor.

Arances added that P4P is launching a campaign – Nagmamahal, Meralco – to mobilize consumers to fight the excessive charges that the distribution utility passes on to them.

“We are relaunching a campaign called Nagmamahal, Meralco, to unite all consumers of Meralco to show their displeasure and put pressure on the company to stop its remorseless milking," said Arances.

Aaron Pedrosa, Secretary-General of Sanlakas, stressed that the decision stretches the limit of what is allowed by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, or EPIRA, which governs the energy sector.

“The law only allows ‘prudent’ and ‘reasonable’ economic costs to be recovered by these power companies. The ERC decision approving the staggered collection of LNG landing costs has given them a free hand to remove all skin from the game yet retain all profits. This decision, alongside the previous one on spot market costs, means 16 months of extraordinary pass-on charges collected from consumers on top of the other unjustified costs, such as fuel costs,” he said.

“Electric consumers are slapped with expensive power rates at a time when unemployment and the cost of basic commodities are rising. Instead of providing much-needed relief to power consumers, Meralco is taking advantage of its position as both a power generator and distributor to get away with amassing superprofits at the expense of the people,” added Pedrosa.

Ka Leody de Guzman of Partido Lakas ng Masa slammed Meralco for the increased suffering it will bring to ordinary workers.

“Ber months na, naunahan na ng Meralco mga inaanak ng manggagawa sa pamamasko. Ang kaibahan, hindi malugod na mag-aabot ng pera ang mga manggagawa – magbabawas sila ng kakainin at iba pang gastusin para lamang mapunan ang walang katapusang gutom ng mga kumpanya ng kuryente para sa pera ng taumbayan,” he said.

“Hindi pinili ng ordinaryong mamamayan na gumamit ng coal na laging nasisira ang mga planta, pero sila ang magbabayad para dito. Hindi ginusto ng mamamayan na gumamit ng gas, pero sila na ang magbabayad sa pag-angkat nito, pati pag-imbak nito ay iaatang din sa kanila. Ano na ang susunod, pass-on charges para sa mga bonus ng mga executive ng Meralco? Dapat nang matigil ang kalakarang ito,” he added.

References: Gerry Arances (P4P), Ka Leody de Guzman (PLM), Atty. Aaron Pedrosa (Sanlakas)

NAST PHL releases advisory towards reducing the prevalence of hypertension and cardiovascular disease

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) published its Science Advisory No. 2024-01 titled “Towards Reducing the Prevalence of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease: Predictors of Hypertension among Filipinos from the Lifecare Philippine Cohort”. Acd. Rody Sy, a renowned cardiologist and member of the NAST PHL Health Science Division, authored this advisory.

Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in the Philippines while hypertension is the command cardiovascular risk factor, Dr. Sy said.

Knowing the predictors for the development of hypertension will be crucial in reducing its prevalence and preventing the complications that come with it, he added.

According to this country’s first study that provided an incidence of hypertension based on a longitudinal cohort population, increasing age, male sex, family history of hypertension, abdominal obesity, low HDL-C, and high normal blood pressure were significantly associated with the development of hypertension among Filipinos in a span of 4 years.

The renowned cardiologist said that as the study was done in only a few provinces in Luzon, the results may not be generalizable to the whole country. Selection bias of recruited participants, lack of follow-up of some participants in the second visit, and Blood Pressure determinations made in a single visit were limiting factors to be considered.

“Nevertheless, the results provided us with an overview of the problem of hypertension in our country”, he added.

Dr. Rody Sy, through the NAST PHL science advisory, recommends a healthy lifestyle to prevent or delay the development of hypertension. He also recommends providing communities with open space and facilities for people to exercise, using activetransportation, and securing financial support for further study.

The science advisory may be accessed through https://bit.ly/NASTHypertension.

(AANavarro/NAST PHL)

The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) is an attached agency to the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) mandated by law to recognize outstanding achievements in scientific research and development and to serve as an adviser to the President of the Republic of the Philippines and the cabinet on policies concerning science and technology in the country. For more updates, follow NAST Philippines’ (@nastphl) social media accounts.

Motivational Speaker in the Philippines Inspires Positive Change

In a reality filled with obstacles and unpredictability, the impact of a speech can be life-changing. Be it conquering personal challenges or fostering advancement a motivational speaker in the Philippines has the potential to spark significant transformation. This piece delves into how speakers are shifting perspectives and sparking positive changes throughout the nation.

The Power of Inspirational Talks

Motivational speakers in the Philippines bring a unique touch to their talks drawing from the rich cultural landscape and addressing the specific challenges and opportunities faced by the audience. Their ability to connect with the local context makes their messages more relatable and impactful.

One of the key reasons for choosing a motivational speaker in the Philippines is their understanding of the nuances of Filipino culture. They can incorporate elements, such as traditions values, and humor into their speeches creating a connection with the audience. This cultural relevance enhances the effectiveness of their message and leaves a lasting impression.

Moreover, motivational speakers who are familiar with the Filipino context can address issues and challenges that resonate with the audience. Whether it’s navigating the job market fostering personal growth or overcoming obstacles they provide insights and strategies that are relevant to the local situation. This tailored approach makes their guidance more practical and applicable, in real-life scenarios.

Additionally, a motivational speaker in the Philippines can inspire resilience and unity among the audience. By sharing stories of triumphs and perseverance they instill a sense of hope and encouragement, especially during times of adversity. Their ability to uplift spirits and foster a mindset can have a profound impact on individuals and communities alike.

In summary, choosing a motivational speaker in the Philippines brings the benefit of cultural relevance addressing challenges and inspiring resilience. Their messages delivered through storytelling and insights have the potential to create lasting positive change, in people’s lives.

Cultural Sensitivity: Homegrown speakers possess an understanding of the cultural subtleties and social dynamics that shape the lives of Filipinos. This enables them to customize their messages in ways that are culturally aware and pertinent enhancing the relatability and impact of their speeches.

Language and Expression: Language can pose a challenge to effective communication. In the Philippines motivational speakers often deliver their presentations in both English and Filipino to ensure their messages resonate with a wider audience.

Inspirational Figures: Numerous local speakers have triumphed over challenges in their own lives making their narratives particularly captivating. Their journeys offer an authentic and relatable viewpoint that can motivate others to take action.

The Benefits of Motivational Speaker in the Philippines

Listening to a motivational speaker in the Philippines can bring a lot of personal and professional benefits. Here are some ways in which talks can make a difference Boosted Motivation One of the main advantages is the increased motivation that comes with it. Motivational speakers have a way of energizing and inspiring their audiences helping them overcome inertia and take steps towards their goals. Shifted Perspective Inspirational speeches often focus on changing how we think and encouraging a mindset. This can lead to greater resilience improved problem-solving abilities and a more positive view of challenges. Practical Insights motivational speakers in the Philippines often share strategies and useful tips that can be put into action right away. This advice can be precious for individuals and organizations aiming to achieve specific goals. Strengthened Team Spirit In businesses and organizations motivational speeches can boost team spirit and morale. These talks can drive success as a group by bringing everyone together with a vision and motivating them towards shared objectives.

Success Stories from Motivational Speakers in the Philippines

In the Philippines, some motivational speakers have left a mark with their inspiring speeches. One such speaker is Francis Kong known for his captivating discussions on leadership and self-improvement. Alongside other impactful speakers, he has assisted numerous people and organizations in reaching their goals. Their stories of success emphasize the ability of talks to bring about change and stress the importance of utilizing motivational speaking as a means, for personal and professional growth.

How to Find the Right Motivational Speaker

Choosing a speaker can make a big difference in how impactful their message is. Here are some suggestions to help you out. 

Define Your Objectives Figure out what you want to get from the talk be it enhancing personal growth fostering teamwork or tackling specific obstacles. 

Explore Potential Speakers Seek out speakers who have a background and knowledge in the areas that align with your objectives. Take a look at their previous engagements and feedback from audiences. 

Think About Compatibility Make sure the speaker is in tune with the cultural context of your audience and can connect with them on that level. 

Verify Qualifications Look for speakers who have a track record and positive endorsements from reputable sources.

Conclusion

Changing perspectives through talks is an effective approach to foster both personal and career development. In the Philippines, a talented speaker can offer the support, encouragement, and perspectives necessary to navigate obstacles and reach success. By taking into account the cultural nuances and customizing their messages accordingly these speakers contribute significantly, to building a society that is more optimistic and empowered. For individuals seeking to create a lasting impact bringing in a speaker in the Philippines might hold the secret, to discovering opportunities and driving transformative progress.

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This press release has also been published on VRITIMES