Keep the Lights On, Keep Democracy Alive: A Consumer Manifesto for Reliable Electricity on Election Day

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a nation where democracy stands as the ultimate expression of the people's will, the simple act of casting a vote must be protected with unwavering resolve. As the 2025 National and Local Elections draw near, a powerful coalition of consumer groups, energy advocates, youth leaders, and civil society organizations has issued an urgent and uncompromising call: guarantee uninterrupted electricity on election day—or risk the very legitimacy of our democratic process.

This is not just a demand. It is a manifesto.

The High Voltage of Democracy

A brownout on election day is not merely an inconvenience—it is a clear and present danger to electoral integrity. A single flicker of power can paralyze vote-counting machines, disrupt data transmission, and cast a long shadow over the credibility of the results. Every second of blackout risks not just electricity, but democracy itself.

"We stand united in defense of our democracy and the right of every Filipino to vote in a free, fair, and uninterrupted electoral process," declares the manifesto.

The message is clear: when the lights go out, faith in our institutions dims.

Our Demands: Loud, Clear, and Non-Negotiable

To all stakeholders in the energy sector—from generators to regulators, cooperatives to concessionaires—this coalition delivers a set of firm, actionable demands:

1. A Public and Accountable Commitment to No Brownouts

We call on the Department of Energy (DOE), the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), the National Electrification Administration (NEA), electric cooperatives, and especially the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to publicly commit to delivering uninterrupted electricity supply before, during, and after the 2025 elections.

2. Strict Compliance with DOE Advisory No. 2025-04-002-SEC

All utility distributors must comply with DOE Advisory 2025-04-002-SEC, which mandates the preparedness of power supply and grid reliability throughout all franchise areas. Every plant must be operational and maintained by April 2025. No excuses.

3. Accountability Must Be Enforced

Congress and all regulatory agencies must impose strict penalties on energy players found liable for any power outages tied to the elections. These are not ordinary lapses—they are failures of national consequence.

4. Franchise and Contract Reviews for Repeat Offenders

Entities behind repeated yellow/red alerts or election-related blackouts must face immediate review of their contracts and licenses. Repeat offenders must be barred from future Competitive Selection Processes (CSP) and risk having their franchises revoked.

5. No One Is Above Democracy

The power sector is not above public scrutiny. When democracy is at stake, no institution—no matter how powerful—can hide in the dark.

A Battle Cry for 2025 and Beyond

This consumer manifesto is more than a policy statement. It is a battle cry. A rallying point for vigilance. A collective demand to “keep the lights on, and keep democracy alive.”

The undersigned—a powerful and diverse assembly of advocates from across the country—stand not only for electricity but for accountability, transparency, and justice.

The Signatories

From seasoned consumer rights champions to emerging youth leaders, the signatories of this manifesto include:

Nic Satur Jr., Chief Advocate Officer, Partners for Affordable & Reliable Energy

Rex Reyes, Youth Energy Advocate, Isabela Province

Roem Jedrick Andaya, Regional Coordinator, Partners for Affordable & Reliable Energy

Ric Samaniego, Founder & Chairman, Philippine Coalition of Consumers Welfare Inc

NJ Rivera, 2025 President, JCI BLISTT

Eric Raymundo, 2025 President, Bayanihan Para Sa Kalikasan Movement

Gio Almoite, Coordinator, SEED4COM

Jerry Yao, Academician & Entrepreneur, Tondo, Manila

MJ Gambulao, Research Consultant & Entrepreneur

Nathaniel Chua, Convenor, CERA

Bas Umali, National Coordinator, Kuryente.org

Beng Garcia, Energy Advocate

Larry Pascua, Senior Energy Program Officer, Philippine Movement for Climate Justice

Butch Junia, Energy Advocate

RJ Javellana, National Coordinator, United Filipino Consumers & Commuters

Angelo Santiago, Energy Advocate, Zamboanga City

David D’Angelo, Senatorial Aspirant, Chairman of the Green Party of the Philippines, Board of Trustee of GREEN

Ross Del Rosario, Founder, Wazzup Pilipinas

Kenneth Fiao-Ag, Energy Advocate, PARE Volunteer, Baguio City

Gweyn Sannadan, Energy Youth Advocate, PARE Volunteer, Itogon, Benguet

A Warning to the Power Sector

Let there be no illusions. A brownout on election day is not an accident—it is a breach of public trust.

The Filipino people are watching.

As ballots are cast and the nation holds its breath for the future, no one must be left in the dark.

Let this be a warning, a promise, and a pledge:

Keep the lights on. Keep democracy alive.

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