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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senate OKs 25-year Meralco franchise

Senate OKs 25-year Meralco franchise

Published Feb 4, 2025 08:22 am

Voting 18-1-0 Senate on Tuesday, February 4, approved on third and final reading House Bill 10926 which gives the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) a fresh 25-year franchise.

Senator Joel Villanueva, the bill's sponsor, expressed his sincere appreciation to the Senate leadership led by Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, and to the Committee on Public Services led by Senator Raffy Tulfo, for entrusting them with this "gargantuan task".

"Maraming salamat po sa tiwala na inyong ibinigay sarepresentasyong ito upang pamunuan ang Subcommittee na naglayong kilatisin ang MERALCO at siguraduhin na karapat-dapat silangbigyan ng panibagong prangkisa (Thank you very much for the trust you have given in this representation to lead the Subcommittee aimed at scrutinizing MERALCO and ensuring they are deserving of a new franchise)," he said.

"With this, we stand by our ‘YES’ vote, knowing that this measure not only renews a franchise but also strengthens our country’s energy security and consumer rights," he added.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who voted against the measure, said that Meralco "throughout the years failed to abide by its obligations and serving consumers, as reflected by our excessively high electricity bills."

"Before even considering a franchise renewal, my view is that MERALCO must be made to properly refund its customers for its past overcollections," she added.

She said that the amendments she proposed, which were all unfortunately rejected, were the bare minimum needed to guarantee fair and transparent operations, and would have ensured that the refunds are calculated well, transparent, and open to public scrutiny.

"These amendments would not have been unreasonable or unfair to MERALCO," she said.

"They simply ensure accountability and transparency. These amendments would have guaranteed that the rates charged to consumers are just and fair," she added.

The said bill grants Meralco a franchise to construct, operate, and maintain a distribution system in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, and Rizal, as well as in neighboring areas in Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, and Pampanga.
 

Related Tags

Senator Joel Villanueva Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) Senator Risa Hontiveros
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