The Senior Citizens Party-List has welcomed the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s move to enforce the value-added tax exemption on indigenous natural gas and electricity generated from it, calling the measure a timely step toward easing power costs for Filipino households.
Under Revenue Regulations No. 002-2026 dated March 5, 2026, the BIR issued the guidelines for availing of fiscal incentives under Republic Act No. 12120, or the Philippine Natural Gas Industry Development Act. Section 38 of the law, enacted in 2025, provides for the VAT exemption on the sale and purchase of indigenous natural gas as well as electricity generated by power plants using the resource.
Senior Citizens Party-List Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Ordanes had earlier raised concern over delays in implementing the provision and formally urged the Department of Energy to move swiftly so consumers can begin feeling the benefit through lower electricity costs. He also filed House Resolution 472, directing the House Committee on Energy to look into the delay in the law’s implementation.
“We welcome the BIR’s move that will lead to the implementation of this pro-consumer measure that will ease electricity costs, which is especially helpful in the current environment when costs are rising due to the tensions in the Middle East,” Ordanes said.
He said the measure would be especially meaningful for vulnerable sectors, particularly senior citizens, who are among the hardest hit by rising household utility expenses.
“This will be extra beneficial for the vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens who are most affected by rising utility expenses. Lowering the cost of power has a direct impact on the lives of our elderly,” he added.
Ordanes underscored the party-list’s longstanding push for policies that bring down the cost of essential services. Among these are initiatives aimed at making electricity more affordable, cushioning households from rising energy prices, and expanding targeted relief for senior citizens through utility subsidies and broader discounts.
The group also called for the immediate and effective implementation of the BIR directive so that its intended benefits can be felt without delay.
“We call on the DOE, other concerned agencies and energy industry players to act with urgency. The faster this is implemented, the sooner Filipino families—especially our senior citizens—can benefit from this, which is the very essence of the laws we create,” Ordanes said.
