Consumers Demand Clarity: Kuryente.org Challenges DOE to Walk the Talk on Power Rates

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a bold and unwavering call for accountability, electricity consumer welfare group Kuryente.org is demanding full transparency and meaningful public consultation from the Department of Energy (DOE), as the agency claims to be laying the “groundwork” for lower power rates in the near future.

This comes after DOE Undersecretary Sharon Garin, in a June 13 press conference, urged Filipino electricity consumers to be “patient” while citing the efforts of former Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla in supposedly initiating strategic reforms aimed at reducing electricity prices.

But for millions of Filipinos burdened by exorbitant electric bills month after month, patience is no longer a virtue—it’s a luxury.

“We’re glad they say they’re doing something,” said Kuryente.org National Coordinator Bas Umali, “but what’s the use of having all the expertise, resources, and authority if results never come?”

Umali stressed that Filipino consumers have been waiting for over two decades for meaningful change in energy pricing. He criticized the DOE for continuously issuing vague promises and “motherhood statements” without providing concrete plans, clear timelines, or genuine public engagement.

“Madam Usec. Garin,” Umali declared, “it’s been more than 20 years of waiting. Don’t just ask us to stay patient—make us part of the process. We are the ones paying. We deserve more than platitudes; we deserve power over our power.”

Kuryente.org asserts that consumers must not only be informed but included in all consultations, as their voices represent the largest and most affected sector of the energy system. The group believes that direct public involvement can yield practical insights and alternatives overlooked by technocrats and policymakers.

Adding to their frustrations, the group also questioned whether the DOE is acting according to the government’s timeline—or the people’s urgent needs. According to Umali, one immediate relief the DOE could push is removing the 11.7% tax from electricity bills, a move that could provide instant savings for households.

“The DOE keeps telling us to wait for the future,” Umali continued, “but how much longer must we endure? Why aren’t they maximizing every possible tool now to ease the burden?”

In a country where electricity rates remain among the highest in Southeast Asia, Kuryente.org is making it clear: vague promises won’t cut it. The time for backroom negotiations and unilateral decisions is over. What consumers demand now is transparency, urgency, and a seat at the table.

As the DOE paints a picture of a brighter, more affordable energy future, Filipino consumers are asking a simple question: “When will that future finally begin—and will we have a say in shaping it?”

BIR Commits To Attracting More Investments Through the Investment Facilitation Network

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), under Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui Jr., reaffirms its commitment to enhancing ease of doing business and attracting more local and foreign investments through its active role in the Investment Facilitation Network (INFA-Net), a platform of 36 government agencies originally created under a Memorandum of Agreement and further operationalized through a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) aligning with Executive Order No. 18, s. 2023.

“I have ordered all BIR offices to assist and prioritize all local and foreign investors, particularly strategic investment, under the Investment Facilitation Network. This is in line with PBBM's call to make the Philippines a top investment destination. The BIR will do its role in attracting investors. Nation-building requires both the public and private sector to work together, in harmony.” Commissioner Lumagui stated.

Under the JMC, the BIR plays a vital role in supporting the facilitation of strategic investments. It is tasked with expediting taxpayer registration processes for investments endorsed by the BOI’s One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSAC-SI). The BIR is also mandated to further streamline its internal procedures for the issuance of permits and licenses related to investment requirements and to act on applications within the prescribed timeframes in its Citizen’s Charter. All these are aligned with the Bureau’s priority program of providing excellent taxpayers’ service.

To ensure responsive and coordinated service, the BIR shall monitor and document investment-related issues, provide timely follow-ups, and maintain a database of frequently asked questions. It shall submit monthly updates to the BOI on the status of applications related to strategic investments indorsed to the BIR, along with progress reports on the JMC’s implementation. A designated focal person shall be assigned to ensure efficient coordination with INFA-Net. Furthermore, the BIR shall provide OSAC-SI with relevant training modules, technical assistance, and other facilitation services to strengthen investor support mechanisms.

The BIR recognizes that a collaborative and efficient investment facilitation framework is vital to sustaining investor confidence and building a more competitive Philippine economy. Through its active involvement in the joint initiative, the BIR remains fully committed to advancing the Philippine’s development goals and uplifting the quality of life of all Filipinos. 

BIR Adds 9 Medicines for Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension, Kidney Disease & Tubercolosis in List of VAT-Exempt Medicines

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), under the leadership of Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr., has issued Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 59-2025 dated June 11, 2025, to circularize the latest list of medicines now exempt from Value-Added Tax (VAT), as endorsed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the Department of Health (DOH).

The said issuance updates the list of VAT-exempt products to include additional medicines for the treatment of cancer, diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and tuberculosis, specifically:

_(Refer to the tables below for details)_

The VAT exemption of the specified medicines is in accordance with Republic Act No. 10963 or the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, and Republic Act No. 11534 or the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act. The exemption takes effect upon the issuance and publication of the corresponding FDA Advisory.

“The BIR stands in full support of the DOH and FDA in advancing health equity. The tax system should never be a barrier to medical treatment, no Filipino should have to choose between their health and their basic needs. This VAT exemption is a concrete step toward ensuring that life-saving and life-sustaining medicines are within reach for all,” said Commissioner Lumagui.