HB05828: AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DEFINITION OF PUBLIC UTILITY, FURTHER AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE COMMONWEALTH ACT NO. 146, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "PUBLIC SERVICE ACT", AS AMENDED
This bill clarifies the definition of a public utility, aiming to ensure that services classified as public utilities meet the criteria of necessity, public consequence, and natural monopoly. It amends the Public Service Act to provide a more precise definition, preventing any misclassification that could harm the public interest.
The bill emphasizes that a public utility should be regulated when it provides a commodity or service that is necessary for the public and is a natural monopoly. This regulation aims to protect consumers and ensure fair pricing and access to essential services.
The bill also mandates the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretariat, in consultation with the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), to recommend to Congress the classification of5 a public service as a public utility based on specific criteria. This provision ensures that the classification process is transparent and considers the public interest.