# Philippines Senate tackles electricity costs > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/philippines-senate-tackles-electricity-costs > Updated: 2026-07-26T21:48:51.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. In late July 2026, the Philippine Senate began a focused effort on the country's soaring electricity rates. A Senate resolution filed by Energy Committee chair Erwin Tulio called for an investigation into recurring "bill shocks," demanding more transparent pricing, accurate metering and better consumer complaint mechanisms. By that evening, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian outlined a broader legislative agenda tied to the upcoming 2027 national budget. The plan included tax‑relief measures for low‑and‑middle‑income workers and specific proposals to curb high electricity and basic‑goods costs – such as amending the Rice Tariffication Law, strengthening the Energy Regulatory Commission and revising oil‑price regulations. Together, the two actions show a shift from probing the problem to embedding electricity‑price reforms within a wider economic strategy. Both steps reflect the Senate’s intent to treat affordable power as a priority while addressing broader fiscal and consumer‑protection concerns ahead of the 2027 budget rollout. ## Timeline ### 2026-07-26: Philippines Senate prioritizes 2027 budget and tax relief measures Philippines Senate, led by Sherwin Gatchalian, pushes fast approval of the 2027 budget, tax‑relief Ginhawa Bill, rice law tweaks and electricity reforms to ease living costs and boost jobs. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/philippines-senate-prioritizes-2027-budget-and-tax-relief-measures ### 2026-07-26: Philippines Senate energy committee probes electricity bill shocks Senate Energy Committee chair Erwin Tulio filed Resolution 535 to probe rising electricity bills in the Philippines, aiming for a consumer‑friendly policy amid the country’s highest regional rates. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/philippines-senate-energy-committee-probes-electricity-bill-shocks --- Cite as: Philippines Senate tackles electricity costs. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/philippines-senate-tackles-electricity-costs