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A ranking congressman is seeking the grant of a new 25-year franchise to power distribution giant the Manila Electric Company (Meralco). 

Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda filed for this purpose House Bill (HB) No.9793, which highlighted the importance of Meralco in keeping a vast portion of the country energized, including the National Capital Region (NCR). 

“Electricity consumption in the Meralco franchise area already represented more than 50 percent of the country’s total electricity consumption in 2022. Meralco’s proven track record over the span of 120 years has assisted greatly in the development of the country’s key economic growth areas,” the bill's explanatory note read. 

Meralco's current franchise won't expire until 2028, noted the chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means. 

But Salceda said that facilitating the franchise renewal would ensure the continuous and uninterrupted supply and distribution of quality and reliable electric service to the customers within its franchise area in consideration of the nature of the vital service it provides". 

Meralco serves 38 cities and 73 municipalities in Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Pampanga, and Bulacan. 

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The Salceda bill also seeks to expand the scope of the company’s operations, a provision absent in its existing franchise, Republic Act (RA), No. 9209, which was signed into law in June 2003. 

"The grantee shall also be authorized to extend service to any adjacent or nearby city, municipality, barangay or province, whenever such service is requested by its residents or inhabitants, through their Local Government Units, pursuant to a referendum called for that purpose in accordance with law or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction,” read HB No.9793. 

The measure has been referred to the House Committee on Legislative Franchises chaired by Parañaque City 2nd district Rep. Gus Tambunting.