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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PBBM's Meralco franchise extension gets thumbs up from pro-elderly party-list

PBBM's Meralco franchise extension gets thumbs up from pro-elderly party-list

Published Apr 19, 2025 07:09 pm

At A Glance

  • Senior Citizens Party-list has welcomed President Marcos' decision to extend the operating franchise of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) by a quarter-century.

PBBM democracy summit.jpgPresident Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Noel Pabalate)

Senior Citizens Party-list has welcomed President Marcos' decision to extend the operating franchise of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) by a quarter-century.

"The Senior Citizen Party-list firmly supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to renew the franchise of the country’s biggest electricity distribution utility, the [Meralco]," the group said in a statement on Saturday night, April 19.

The party-list had consistently supported this 19th Congress measures in the House of Representatives that called for the early extension to Meralco’s current franchise.

One of these was House Bill (HB) No.10926, filed by Committee on Ways and Means Chairman Albay 2nd district Rep Joey Salceda. Salceda’s bill which sought an additional 25 years to Meralco’s franchise eventually formed part of the law that Marcos signed last week.

"This is in recognition of the indispensable role of reliable and affordable electricity in the lives of the elderly population, as we rely heavily on reliable and consistent power supply for our daily activities, which include utilizing medical care equipment, food storage, cooling systems and other necessities," said the group, which was represented in the House of Representatives by Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes.

"Meralco has steadily proven that its continued investments in its facilities and infrastructure have contributed to the improved quality of service that it has provided, especially in terms of reliability, via reduced frequency and duration of power interruptions, and immediate restoration," the party-list said.

It further notes that Meralco "has also shown its dedication to the elderly through the sustained implementation of the senior citizen discount program, which offers a five percent subsidy to qualified beneficiaries—providing meaningful financial relief and enhancing day-to-day well-being".

"We look forward to seeing more senior-friendly initiatives from Meralco following the renewal of its franchise, and how these will continue to uplift the lives of older Filipinos across the country," Senior Citizens Party-list said.

Meralco, serves the whole of Metro Manila and nearby provinces. It's current operating franchise won't expire until 2028.

Related Tags

senior citizens party-list PBBM Manila Electric Company (Meralco)
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