Bayan tells govt: Amid poll fraud probe, don’t forget rising power costs

The government must remember to address the rising cost of power even as the alleged fraud in the 2004 and 2007 elections has caught public attention, militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said Friday. In particular, Bayan wants government to scrap the value-added tax (VAT) on electricity, the group said in a statement. The Philippines faces the threat of higher electricity rates even if it already charges the highest energy prices in Asia, Bayan added in a report on GMA News TV’s morning newscast “Dobol B sa News TV."
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV Bayan and allied groups are preparing to stage a series of protests to prod the Palace to scrap the VAT on power, “Dobol B sa News TV" added. The group said removing the VAT on power will redound to at least P80 in monthly savings for households that consume 100 kilowatts per hour, and P189 monthly for those that consume 200 kilowatts per hour. — PE/VS, GMA News