Bill Offers Relief for Leyte, Samar Utility Costs

Posted on Mar. 19, 2026 at 7:29 pm

TACLOBAN CITY — As global oil prices rise due to tensions involving Iran, households in Eastern Visayas are feeling the strain. Lawmakers from Tingog Party-list are pushing for relief measures, including House Bill No. 8706, which aims to eliminate reconnection fees for electricity, water, telecommunications, and internet services once bills are settled.

House Bill 8706, also known as the No Reconnection Fee Act, was filed on March 19, 2026, by Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Tingog Party-list representatives Yedda Marie Romualdez, Andrew Julian Romualdez, and Jude Acidre as principal authors.

The economic effects of the Iran conflict are reaching provinces like Leyte and Samar, impacting communities sensitive to fuel price increases.

In Tacloban City, truck drivers say the rising cost of diesel is already cutting deeply into their earnings.

“Halos wala na talaga matira sa kita namin,” said Rogelio Pacampara, a delivery truck driver from Surigao who traveled to Tacloban to deliver fruits from Davao. “Tumaas na ang diesel, pero hindi naman agad puwedeng magtaas ng singil sa kliyente. Kami ang sumasalo.”

Another driver, Junrey Vernes from Brgy Abucay, noted that some operators have been forced to reduce trips. “Kun dati duha kami ka biyahe kada adlaw, yana danay tag-usa nala para maka tipid ha gasolina.’

Fisherfolk in coastal communities are also feeling the strain, as fuel is essential for daily fishing operations.

“Mahal na ang gasolina para ha amon pumpboat,’ said Mario Bertulfo, a fisherman from Costa Brava in the city. “Danay diri na ngani kami napadagat kay lugi kami ha gastos.’

For ordinary residents, the impact is felt in everyday expenses, from transportation to electricity and food.

“Na abat na gad kami hit pag umento han papliton,’ said Lorna Paclian, a market vendor in Tacloban. “Pati kuryente nag umento na, tapos kinahanglan pa bumayad hin penalidad kun na uutdan kuryente.’

These realities, lawmakers say, highlight the urgency of policy interventions.

“As fuel prices move, the impact is felt across the delivery of basic utilities,” Acidre said. “Households experience this not only in transportation, but in the cost of electricity, water, and connectivity.”

Amid these challenges, Acidre emphasized that the proposed bill aims to ease the burden on consumers, particularly those already struggling to keep up with rising expenses.

Fisherfolk and market vendors are also affected by the rising prices. Lawmakers stress the urgency of policy interventions to address the impact on basic utilities.

The proposed bill aims to ease the burden on consumers by eliminating reconnection fees once bills are settled.

Utility providers would be prohibited from charging reconnection fees for accounts disconnected due to nonpayment as long as all outstanding balances are paid.

Access to electricity, water, and internet services is crucial for daily living in Eastern Visayas, especially for education and livelihood. The proposed bill is part of efforts to mitigate the effects of global fuel volatility on local communities.

As the situation involving Iran continues to affect oil markets, relief measures are becoming more critical. House Bill No. 8706 will undergo further deliberation in the House of Representatives.

(Photos by: Jazmin Bonifacio)