Manila, July 13 -- Senate President Win Gatchalian on Monday asked the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to consider spreading out Meralco's July electricity rate increase to spare households and small businesses from a sudden spike in their monthly bills.

Meralco raised its residential rate by PHP0.3428 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), bringing the overall rate to PHP14.8261 per kWh from PHP14.4833 in June. The adjustment translates to about PHP69 more for a household consuming 200 kWh.

"The recent announcement by Meralco of an electricity rate hike for the July billing cycle presents a heavy financial distress for millions of Filipino households and small business owners," Gatchalian said in a statement.

He said the ERC should closely exam...