Manila, July 13 -- Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Monday filed a resolution seeking a Senate inquiry into the Energy Regulatory Commission's (ERC) policies on disputed electricity bills and power rate increases, saying the review could lead to amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) to strengthen consumer protection.

In Senate Resolution No. 509, Hontiveros proposed an inquiry into the ERC's handling of contested electricity bills, particularly amid complaints over erroneous Meralco meter readings, conflicting guidance on disputed payments and successive power rate increases.

"Kailangang tingnan ang mga polisiyang ito at i-update kung kailangan (These policies need to be reviewed and updated if necessary)," Hontiveros sai...