๐ ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ข ๐๐ฌ๐๐๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ฃ๐๐๐๐ก๐ง๐ฆ ๐๐๐๐๐ก๐ฆ๐ง ๐๐ข๐ก๐ฆ๐จ๐ ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฉ๐ข๐๐๐ง๐๐ฆ; ๐ก๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐๐ฅ๐ ๐ฆ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ก๐ง ๐ง๐ข ๐๐ข๐ก๐ฆ๐จ๐ ๐๐ฅ ๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ง๐ฆ ๐๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐ข๐๐๐ฆ๐ฆ
Philippines โ The National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms (NASECORE) confirms receipt of a cyberlibel complaint filed by Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) through its authorized representative concerning NASECORE’s Facebook publication dated 17 August 2026, which raised questions about the determination of MERALCO’s electricity distribution rate over-recoveries and possible consumer refunds.
The complaint names NASECORE, its consumer intervenor Pete Ilagan. Separate complaints reportedly involve Atty. Wilfredo Garrido, NASECORE’s legal counsel before the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), and Alfredo Non, former ERC Commissioner.
Mediation conferences involving Atty. Garrido and former Commissioner Non commenced last week.
Meanwhile, Pete Ilagan received a Notice of Mediation Conference/Subpoena to Respondents from the Office of the City Prosecutor of Pasig City, directing his appearance on 20 and 27 October 2026.
NASECORE recognizes MERALCO’s right to pursue legal remedies under Philippine law. Equally, consumer advocates and their legal representatives are entitled to due process and the lawful exercise of their rights to question electricity rates, regulatory decisions, and utility practices affecting consumers.
The organization emphasizes that consumer participation in ERC proceedings is an important mechanism for promoting transparency, accountability, and public scrutiny of decisions affecting the electricity bills and welfare of Filipino consumers.
For electricity consumers, the issue extends beyond the cyberlibel complaints.
The NASECORE publication that prompted the complaint raised questions about MERALCO’s electricity rate over-recoveries, the implementation of ERC-ordered refunds, and whether additional amounts may be due to consumers, subject to proper regulatory determination.
NASECORE maintains that these questions deserve clear, transparent, and evidence-based answers from the appropriate regulatory authorities, regardless of the outcome of the pending complaints.
“Consumer advocacy must remain free, responsible, and grounded in facts and law. The right of electricity consumers to question, seek clarification, and participate in regulatory proceedings is essential to protecting the public interest,” NASECORE stated.
The filing of a criminal complaint does not, by itself, establish wrongdoing or criminal liability.
The organization remains committed to pursuing legitimate consumer concerns through lawful, responsible, and evidence-based advocacy, including regulatory intervention, public consultation, and other remedies provided by law.
NASECORE calls for continued respect for freedom of expression, due process, and the right of Filipino electricity consumers to meaningful representation in decisions affecting their electricity rates and welfare.