PARE: End the Double Standard on Systems Loss Charges

 

During his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made a resounding call for the removal of systems loss charges from electricity bills.

The Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE) commends this effort to reduce power rates — a move that will undoubtedly face opposition from parts of the power industry.

July 28, 2026, Makati City – During his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. made a resounding call for the removal of systems loss charges from electricity bills. 

The Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE) commends this effort to reduce power rates — a move that will undoubtedly face opposition from parts of the power industry. 

However, the consumer advocacy group believes the President's remarks have also shone a spotlight on an even bigger injustice: the deeply unfair, two-tiered system that continues to penalize millions of consumers served by electric cooperatives.

Under the current setup, consumers are forced to shoulder the inefficiencies of power distributors, but the financial burden is distributed unequally. There is a glaring double standard in how these inefficiencies are treated under existing regulations:

Private Distribution Utilities (DUs): Capped at 5.5%

Electric Cooperatives (ECs): Allowed recoverable system loss caps of up to 12.25%

PARE highlights the irony of this disparity. 

Consumers in highly urbanized areas such as Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao — served primarily by private distribution utilities — pay significantly lower systems loss charges. 

Meanwhile, consumers in the rest of the country, who are predominantly served by electric cooperatives, pay more than double. Electric cooperatives provide electricity service to around 70 million Filipinos, meaning the majority of electricity consumers are subjected to this unequal treatment. Worse, actual system losses among many cooperatives currently average between 11 and 12 percent, with extreme cases reaching a staggering 37 percent.

If it is unjust for a private utility to pass on a 5.5 percent systems loss to its consumers, PARE argues that it is even more unjust that electric cooperatives are legally permitted to pass on more than double that amount.

"The President hit the nail on the head during the SONA — we should not pay for losses we did not create," said Nic Satur Jr., Chief Advocate Officer of PARE. "But the current system allows electric cooperatives to pass on inefficiencies that consumers have no control over. Consumers connected to electric cooperatives are paying for double, triple, or even six times the inefficiencies shouldered by consumers served by private utilities. That is fundamentally unfair."

As a practical and immediate reform, PARE is calling on Congress to establish a uniform 5 percent recoverable system loss cap for every distribution utility and electric cooperative in the country, with no exceptions and no extended timelines for compliance.

"Filipino consumers already pay electricity rates that rank among the highest in Asia. We are entitled to nothing less than the international efficiency standard of 5 percent in return," Satur emphasized. "

You cannot charge world-class prices while expecting consumers to absorb excessive system losses.

The President's speech made it clear that the status quo is no longer acceptable."

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About Partners for Affordable & Reliable Energy

Partners for Affordable and Reliable Energy (PARE) is a national, independent consumer coalition advocating for affordable electricity, reliable service, energy justice, and meaningful consumer participation in the Philippine energy sector.

 

MOLD Manila Introduces Croma PolyPhil Polynucleotide Treatments in Quezon City

 The addition of Croma PolyPhil, Croma PolyPhil S, and Croma PolyPhil Eye broadens MOLD Manila's non-surgical treatment portfolio, providing clients with physician-guided regenerative skin treatments tailored to different aesthetic concerns.

MOLD Manila has announced the launch of the Croma PolyPhil range, expanding its portfolio of non-surgical aesthetic treatments with polynucleotide-based regenerative injectables from Croma, an Austria-based manufacturer specializing in aesthetic medicine.

The new range includes three treatment options designed for different skin concerns: Croma PolyPhil for overall skin quality and rejuvenation, Croma PolyPhil S for clients with acne scars and textural concerns, and Croma PolyPhil Eye for the delicate under-eye area.

The Croma PolyPhil range offers regenerative injectable solutions tailored to different skin concerns.

Polynucleotides have become an area of growing interest in aesthetic medicine because of their role in supporting the skin's natural regenerative processes. According to Croma, the PolyPhil range is developed using the company's proprietary PN-HPT™ (Polynucleotides High Purification Technology), which is designed to deliver highly purified polynucleotides for aesthetic treatments.

Each treatment is performed following a professional consultation, allowing providers to evaluate the client's skin concerns, discuss treatment goals, and recommend an individualized treatment plan.

Every Croma PolyPhil treatment begins with a personalized consultation and skin assessment.

"At MOLD Manila, we continue to invest in technologies and treatments that support personalized, science-driven aesthetic care," said Adrielle Costales, Founder and CEO of MOLD Manila. "The addition of the Croma PolyPhil range allows us to offer our clients more physician-guided options focused on skin quality and regenerative aesthetics."

The introduction of the Croma PolyPhil range reflects MOLD Manila's continued commitment to expanding its treatment offerings while maintaining its philosophy of combining science, artistry, and individualized care.

Every treatment is carefully prepared using physician-guided protocols in a clinical setting.

MOLD Manila provides a range of non-surgical aesthetic services, including facial sculpting, skin rejuvenation, body contouring, and wellness treatments. The addition of regenerative injectables further strengthens the clinic's comprehensive approach to personalized aesthetic care.

The Croma PolyPhil range is now available at MOLD Manila's White Plains and Baesa branches in Quezon City.

Clients interested in learning more about the treatment may schedule a consultation to discuss their skin concerns and determine whether the Croma PolyPhil range is appropriate for their individual needs.

Mold Manila | Book your Appointment

About MOLD Manila

MOLD Manila is a premium, clinician-led aesthetic clinic based in Quezon City, Philippines. Known for its technology-driven, non-surgical treatments and personalized care, the clinic specializes in skin rejuvenation, non-invasive contouring, laser treatments, and IV wellness therapies. MOLD Manila is committed to education-first, results-driven aesthetics designed for real Filipino skin.

Separating Fact from Fiction: Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXChange Debunks Common Foreign Exchange Myths

  

Getting the most value from every currency exchange starts with making informed decisions. Whether traveling overseas, paying tuition abroad, importing products for a business, or supporting loved ones in another country, Filipinos increasingly rely on foreign exchange as part of their financial journey. As global opportunities continue to grow, understanding how foreign exchange works can help maximize the value of every peso exchanged.

As the expert in foreign exchange, Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXChange combines competitive exchange rates, a broad selection of currencies, and a nationwide network that makes foreign exchange more accessible and convenient for Filipinos wherever their financial journeys take them.

"Many people see foreign exchange as a simple transaction, but it plays a much bigger role in achieving financial goals," said Jean Henri Lhuillier, President and CEO of Cebuana Lhuillier. "Making informed currency decisions helps customers maximize the value of their hard-earned money while giving them greater confidence in every transaction."

Drawing from the questions and misconceptions most frequently encountered by its foreign exchange specialists, Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXChange debunks five common foreign exchange myths every Filipino should know.

Myth #1: "It's okay to exchange my money only when I arrive abroad."

Fact: Many travelers assume they can simply exchange money at the airport or after reaching their destination. However, waiting until arrival often means having fewer choices and less control over the exchange rate. Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXChange enables customers to exchange currency before their trip through its nationwide branch network, allowing them to compare rates in advance and secure the currency they need before flying. For added convenience, customers can also use Click & Collect to reserve their preferred foreign currency online and simply pick it up at their selected Cebuana Lhuillier branch, making it easier to travel with local cash on hand for transportation, meals, and other immediate expenses upon arrival.

Myth #2: "Foreign exchange is only for people going on vacation."

Fact: Foreign exchange supports much more than leisure travel. Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXChange serves parents paying tuition abroad, entrepreneurs purchasing goods from overseas suppliers, businesses managing cross-border transactions, overseas workers, and families receiving foreign currency. Its services are designed to support a wide range of international financial needs, not just vacations.

Myth #3: "Small differences in exchange rates don't really matter."

Fact: Even small movements in exchange rates can add up, particularly for larger transactions. Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXChange helps customers maximize the value of every exchange by offering competitive rates that can translate into meaningful savings whether the funds are intended for travel, education, or business.

Myth #4: "I should wait until someone tells me the rate is at its lowest."

Fact: Exchange rates constantly change based on global market conditions, making them difficult to predict accurately. Rather than relying on speculation or social media advice, Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXChange encourages customers to exchange based on their actual financial needs while providing transparent, competitive rates that help them make informed decisions with confidence.

Myth #5: "Money changers only exchange major currencies like US dollars."

Fact: As Filipinos travel, study, and do business across more countries, access to multiple currencies has become increasingly important. Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXChange offers a wide selection of foreign currencies, enabling customers to conveniently obtain the currencies they need through one trusted provider without being limited to only the most common denominations.

"Financial literacy means understanding every financial decision we make, including how we exchange currencies," said Philippe Andre Lhuillier, Senior Executive Vice President of Cebuana Lhuillier. "As more Filipinos participate in the global economy, our goal is to provide reliable foreign exchange services while helping customers make informed decisions that maximize the value of their money."

Whether crossing borders for work, education, business, or leisure, making smarter currency decisions starts with knowing the facts. Backed by trusted expertise, competitive exchange rates, access to a wide range of currencies, and one of the country's largest branch networks, Cebuana Lhuillier MoneyXChange continues to help Filipinos navigate foreign exchange with greater confidence, convenience, and value.

Alsons Power strengthens retail electricity supply, targets more customers as ERC lowers threshold

 Alsons Power Group is accelerating the expansion of its Retail Electricity Supply (RES) business as the Company continues to broaden its power generation portfolio, including upcoming large-scale solar power facilities in Mindanao.

Alsons Power Group is accelerating the expansion of its Retail Electricity Supply (RES) business as the Company continues to broaden its power generation portfolio, including upcoming large-scale solar power facilities in Mindanao.

Through its licensed RES arm, Alsons Power Supply Corporation (APSC), the Group provides contestable customers with flexible energy solutions designed to support their energy requirements and long-term growth. At present, APSC supplies 118 megawatts (MW) to major industry players, supported by a reliable generation portfolio of more than 500 MW from both conventional and renewable energy sources.

“Our RES unit allows us to translate our generation investments into direct value for our end users,” said Alsons Power Chief Executive Officer Antonio Miguel B. Alcantara. “As we continue enhancing our operations and expanding our renewable energy footprint, our RES business ensures we can offer competitive, reliable, and sustainable power options tailored to the needs of our partners.”

Beyond price competitiveness, Alsons Power emphasized that its RES strategy is anchored on customer partnership. This includes tailored energy plans, clearer billing, and dedicated account management. By integrating both power generation and supply, the Group helps protect customers from market volatility, supports sustainability objectives, and enables businesses to achieve energy cost savings.

According to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), consumers who sourced electricity through RES providers saved nearly PHP 50 billion in the first half of 2024 alone.

Starting June 2026, more businesses are expected to benefit from the Retail Electricity Market after the ERC lowered the monthly peak demand threshold from 500 kilowatts (kW) to 100 kW, opening the market to smaller electricity users.

“We welcome this development as it provides us opportunities to help more consumers access better energy options aligned with their strategies and goals,” Alcantara added. “Our retail and investment strategies support each other. We are building a business that is not just a utility, but a comprehensive energy partner capable of navigating a more competitive and decentralized environment.”