TINGOG Party-list on Thursday filed a measure prohibiting the collection of reconnection fees for electricity, water, telecommunications, and internet services, as rising fuel costs continue to drive up the cost of essential utilities.
House Bill No. 8706, also known as the “No Reconnection Fee Act,” seeks to ensure that once consumers have fully settled their outstanding balances, service restoration will no longer be subject to additional charges, in line with efforts to ease the financial burden on households.
The measure was principally authored by Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, together with TINGOG Party-list Reps. Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre.
The filing comes as continued volatility in global oil markets feeds into higher domestic fuel prices, with downstream effects increasingly reflected in electricity rates and the cost of operating other essential services.
“As fuel prices move, the impact is felt across the delivery of basic utilities,” Acidre said. “Households experience this not only in transportation, but in the cost of electricity, water, and connectivity.”
Acidre noted that while consumers remain responsible for settling their obligations, the imposition of reconnection fees introduces an additional cost at the point of service restoration.
“Once an account has been settled, the priority should be restoring access,” Acidre said. “Additional charges at that stage can delay reconnection, particularly for households already under financial strain.”
Under the proposed measure, reconnection fees for accounts disconnected due to nonpayment will be prohibited, provided that all outstanding balances, including lawful interest or penalties, have been fully paid. Existing provisions covering fraud, illegal use, and safety-related disconnections will remain in effect.
Acidre said the proposal forms part of a broader review of policy responses to fuel price volatility and its effects on essential services.
“Electricity, water, telecommunications, and internet services are now integral to daily life,” Acidre added. “Policy adjustments should be responsive to how these costs are felt by Filipino households, while ensuring that services remain accessible and affordable.”
The measure is expected to be referred to the appropriate House committee for deliberation.
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