APEC Party-list Rep. Sergio Dagooc (left), PHILRECA Party-list Rep. Presley de Jesus (Facebook)

Members of the so-called "power bloc" in the House of Representatives have affirmed their support for the early grant of a 25-year extension to the franchise of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco). 

Manifesting their support during a House Committee on Legislative Franchises hearing Tuesday, May 21, were APEC Party-list Rep. Sergio Dagooc and PHILRECA Party-list Rep. Presley de Jesus. 

The two acknowledged the efforts of Meralco to distribute stable and reliable electricity to customers within its franchise area. 

Dagooc, who oversees several electric cooperatives in Mindanao, says that he would “vote for the approval” of Meralco’s franchise renewal application. 

For his part, De Jesus said he will join Dagooc in voting in favor of the franchise renewal. He says “Meralco is reliable and dependable” and has consistently delivered benefits to many Filipino consumers. 

This notwithstanding, De Jesus asked Meralco about the possibility of implementing more corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects and programs that will benefit consumers. Meralco responded on the affirmative. 

Concerns on the delay of Meralco’s rate reset process were also raised during the three-hour deliberation. 

House Committee on Energy Chairman, Marinduque lone district Rep. Lord Allan Velasco says “it’s up to the ERC” to act on the matter as it is the one responsible for the crafting of rules. 

“We really have to look at the ERC because that’s the heart of the whole energy industry,” added Velasco, a former House Speaker. 

The chairman of the legislative franchises panel, Parañaque City 2nd district Rep. Gus Tambunting, noted that Meralco representatives were able to respond to most of the issues involving the power distribution giant. 

There will likely be another hearing despite the scheduled sine die adjournment of Congress on Wednesday, May 22. 

“Marami silang napaliwanag that we accept (We accepted many of their explanations). We found them sound and reasonable but of course there are some that would need further clarification,” Tambunting said. 

Velasco, Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda, and Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez are all seeking a quarter-century extension to the Meralco franchise via three bills that were filed separately. 

Meralco’s current franchise will expire in 2028.