According to the Philippine Army, its unpaid electricity bill now amounts to $154,799. Army spokesman Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres Jr. said the Army is validating the bill before paying it. However, Torres said if the Army fails to settle the bill promptly, military bases around the country will lose access to electricity and be forced to resort to standby generators for power.

The Philippine Army has 80 battalion headquarters nationwide, excluding brigades and divisions. Torres said the PA has an annual budget for electricity consumption, but he said the increasing use of electricity by various Army field units means the military may not be able to cover the bill with its current funds.

Under a previous commander, the Army's unpaid power bills reportedly reached $663,423. The bill was not fully settled and the balance was carried over to the current tab.