FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
First Regular Session y

Hows or EraESgESyY®

Introduced by Representative Ben P. Evardone

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Electricity is one determining factor for socio-economic development. hs etfivient
provision invariably contributes to poverty reduction, fucls economic growth and enables the
fulfillment of the most basic human needs. The availability of electricity is indeed crucial in
our efforts to secure ourselves a better future.

In line with the policy of the State to free the people trom poverty through policies
that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising Standard of living.
and an improved quality of life for all, Republic Act No, 9136, or else known as the EPIRA
Law, was enacted.

‘The EPIRA Law, it must be noted, came into being primarily on account of the
promises of affordable and hopefully lowered electricity rates, among others, when the
reforms under the said law are in place, and taking into account the individual and coilecti
need for electricity, the present living conditions of people and the social justice mandate
enshrined in the 1987 Constitution. For this reason, an extendable socialized pricing
mechanism called the lifeline rate for marginalized end-users was authorized under Section
73, RA No. 9136.

However, ten years inte the EPIRA regime, nothing much has changed. Io some,
either the EPIRA Law was set off towards unreachable stars or superbly crafted upon a pile
of plain verbiage.

Verily, and in view of the rapid price increase in basic commodities, perhaps triggered
by the rise in oil prices in the world market, cutting off this lifeline at this time would
effectively choke the dampened spirit of every Juan de la Cruz.

Iris on this score that immediate enactment of this bill is earnestly sought.

w= RDONE

Representative
Lone District, Eastem Samar


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FIFTEENTH CONGRESS )
OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
First Regutar Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
House Bill No. 29

Introduced by Representative Ben P. Evardone

AN ACT
EXTENDING THE PERIOD FOR SOCIALIZED PRICING MECHANISM CALLED
THE LIFELINE RATE FOR MARGINALIZED END-USERS UNDER SECTION 73,
KEPUBLIC ACT NUMBER 9136, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE ELECTRIC
POWER INDUSTRY REFORM ACF OF 2001.

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title-—Lhis Act shall be known as the “Lifeline Rate Extension
Actot 2011."

SECTION 2, The existing socialized pricing mechanism called the lifeline rate for
the marginalized end-users established pursuant to Section 73, Republic Act No, 9136 is

hereby extended for a period of ten (10) years, unless further extended by an act of Congress

SECTION 3, The extended period under this Act shall commence to run trom the
last day of the original period granted in Section 73, Republic Act No. 9136.

SECTION 4. All laws, executive orders or issuances, or any part thereof which are

istent herewith are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect immediately upon its approval

i EVARDONE

Representative
Lone District of Eastern Samar

Approved,

B