Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (Facebook)

Cagayan de Oro City 2nd district Rep. Rufus Rodriguez had this to say Sunday, Aug. 11, a day ahead of the resumption of the House Committee on Legislative Franchises' hearing on bills that sought to give Meralco a new 25-year franchise.

"Reliable, adequate and efficient electricity service is vital in ensuring support to businesses and the economy. We can consider it as a vital cog as well in the everyday lives of Filipinos," said Rodriguez, who authored one such measure in House Bill (iHB) No.9813.

Rodriguez and the rest of his House colleagues have hailed the 6.3 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth posted by the Philippines for the 2nd quarter of 2024.

The veteran solon from Mindanao concurred that Congress' favorable action on Meralco’s franchise application is a step toward keeping the Philippine economy strong.

Over the weekend, the Laban Konsyumer Inc. (LKI) said that Meralco’s continued operations would ensure the consistent flow of stable electricity to millions of consumers not just in Metro Manila but also in other high-growth areas.

The existing franchise of Meralco, which primarily serves the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby provinces, is set to expire in 2028.

Rodriguez says that Meralco has proven itself in terms of its quality of service.

"I need not underscore the fact and the numbers are there if one were to care to check that Meralco has the highest level of service in the country as far as electricity distribution is concerned," said the chairman of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments.

"This is the reason why many LGUs (local government units) have asked Meralco to take over so it can bring its level of service to many areas deprived of reliable electricity," he said.

"By granting it its franchise renewal, Congress is ensuring the welfare of those currently being serviced by Meralco of continuously benefiting and enjoying affordable, efficient, adequate and reliable power," Rodriguez said.

Meanwhile, the LKI had lauded Meralco’s efforts to secure sufficient and least-cost supply through the conduct of a series of biddings called competitive selection process (CSP).

Currently, it is in the process of getting bids for its 1,500-megawatt (MW) supply requirements starting next year.

“Meralco’s conduct of open and transparent biddings illustrates the company’s efforts to fulfill its ultimate mandate to its customers,” LKI said.

Earlier this year, Meralco also awarded supply contracts for 3,000-MW baseload supply for 15 years and for its 400-MW interim power supply requirement until next year.

“We strongly support Meralco’s series of CSPs. Power contracts secured through CSP ensure supply will come from reputable and reliable sources, which help ensure stable and affordable electricity supply for consumers in the years to come,” the group added.