The group Gabriela condemned the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) for raking in super-profits of ₱25.5 billion for the first half of 2025, while millions of families go hungry and struggle to keep up with rising prices of goods and services, including electricity. Reports said its profits may even reach up to ₱50 billion by the end of the year.

“Meralco’s profits in the first six months amount to about ₱1,000 from each Filipino family. This is obscene super-profit extracted from the sweat and hunger of women and their families,” Gabriela secretary general Clarice Palce stated.

The company secured large profits because the US-Marcos regime refused to remove the 12% value added tax (VAT) on electricity. “Instead of protecting consumers, the government protects Meralco’s owners—Manny Pangilinan’s group—by preserving VAT and passing on sky-high generation charges,” explained Palce.

“We challenge Congress: legislate a ₱1,200 daily living wage and repeal VAT on electricity within the first 100 days of the next session, or face bigger protests in the streets,” the group stated.

The group also denounces the looming increase in electricity rates for the coming months. In July, the rate increased by ₱0.4883 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), bringing the total charge to ₱12.6435 per kWh from ₱12.1552 in June. For an average household consuming 200kWh, the monthly charge will go up by ₱98.

“While Meralco celebrates billions, women are forced to choose between rice and light. We refuse to let monopoly capital feast on our hunger!” Palce stated.