Capelco consumers to benefit from gov't power subsidy
ROXAS CITY – Capiz Electric Cooperative (Capelco) member-consumers will be among the beneficiaries of the government's "Pantawid Kuryente: Katas ng VAT" program for poor families that consume a maximum of 100 kilowatt hour a month of electricity.
This was stressed by Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Ezperanza Cabral in an interview over dyOW Bombo Radyo Roxas last June 4.
The power subsidy program was launched by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo last June 3 to give back to the poor the benefits reaped from the implementation of the expanded value added tax (EVAT), specifically from the 12 percent VAT on petroleum products.
"Today, we are launching a new program, a program created out of the benefits of VAT. From the VAT on petroleum products, of which 80 percent of consumers are the rich, we were able to set aside P2 billion for the 'Pantawid Koryente'—a direct assistance to the poor, 'Katas ng VAT para sa masa,'" the President said in Filipino.
The President said provision of targeted cash payments to the poorest of the poor or to the "lifeline users" would help them cope with their electric bills.
The Arroyo administration's tough fiscal reforms are benefiting the poor Filipinos nowadays particularly in coping with soaring oil prices. (PIA/A.Lumaque)