The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has defended the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) amid issues surrounding high electricity charges.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian dismissed as “fake news” claims linking the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) rate increase to 4Ps beneficiaries.
Gatchalian explained that the spike in electricity bills in April was not caused by 4Ps, but stemmed from higher generation costs incurred by the power distributor.
He added that 4Ps households consume very minimal electricity, noting that their usage contributes less than half a centavo to the lifeline rate.
According to the secretary, this is because most 4Ps households have little to no appliances in use.
Meanwhile, Gatchalian said the DSWD supports the proposal for Meralco to absorb lifeline rates as part of its corporate social responsibility.
(PHOTO COURTESY: DSWD)
