Sen.Chiz Escudero pushes senate action on bill protecting power sector workers

Francis Escudero has called on the Senate Committee on Energy to begin hearings on Senate Bill 498, a proposed measure that seeks to expand protections and benefits for workers in the power sector.

Escudero made the appeal following the announcement by Manila Electric Company (Meralco) of a ₱0.2226 per kilowatt-hour increase in electricity rates this February, which is expected to add around ₱45 to the monthly bill of a typical household.

While acknowledging concerns over rising electricity costs, Escudero emphasized that discussions on affordability should also take into account the welfare of the workforce responsible for maintaining reliable power service.

“Consumers feel the impact of higher rates, but linemen and other frontliners who keep the grid running face daily risks with limited safeguards. Senate Bill 498 aims to address this gap,” he said.

The measure, authored by Escudero, is currently pending at the committee level. It seeks to institutionalize benefits and stronger protections for power sector employees, particularly linemen who often serve as first responders during typhoons, earthquakes, and widespread outages.

The senator from Bicol said improving worker protection and morale would also contribute to service stability, helping prevent inefficiencies and hidden costs that could eventually be passed on to consumers.

Escudero also linked the proposal to the country’s ongoing energy transition. He noted that as the Philippines expands investments in solar, wind, and other renewable energy projects, the sector will require a skilled and secure workforce capable of integrating these technologies into the national grid.

The bill is awaiting formal hearings under the Senate Committee on Energy chaired by Pia Cayetano.

“Consumers deserve fair rates, but they also deserve a power sector that is safe, resilient, and staffed by workers whose welfare is valued,” Escudero said. “In the end, protecting workers is protecting consumers.”