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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider Meralco vows to improve service, lower power rates amid protest calls

Meralco vows to improve service, lower power rates amid protest calls

Published May 19, 2026 02:40 pm
Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) expressed support for initiatives aimed at improving electricity services and reducing consumer costs after progressive groups staged a protest outside its Pasig office on Tuesday, May 19, calling for lower rates and the repeal of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).
Bayan Muna members join progressive groups in calling for lower power rates and the repeal of the EPIRA law. (Photo from BAYAN MUNA Partylist/Facebook)
Bayan Muna members join progressive groups in calling for lower power rates and the repeal of the EPIRA law. (Photo from BAYAN MUNA Partylist/Facebook)
Various groups brought placards during the rally with different messages, such as "Buwis sa kuryente, tanggalin! EPIRA ibasura! (Remove electricity taxes! Junk EPIRA)," "Tanggalin ang VAT sa system loss! (Remove VAT on system loss!)," "ERC, probe Meralco overcharging,” “Ibaba ang singil sa kuryente (Lower electricity rates)," and “Meralco ganid sa tubo (Meralco is profit-driven),” among others.
The Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) or Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 is a law that reorganized the country’s power sector by opening it to private companies, with the aim of improving electricity supply, promoting competition, and ensuring reliable and affordable power services.
However, some groups are calling for its repeal, saying it has not helped reduce electricity prices.
On Tuesday, Meralco told the Manila Bulletin that it supports the government’s efforts to improve electricity service and lower power rates, noting that it implemented a slight reduction in charges this May despite high demand due to the summer season and the continuing effects of the crisis in the Middle East.
“Nais din namin ipabatid na sumasailalim ang singil ng Meralco sa mabusising pagsusuri at pag-apruba ng Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) para masigurong patas at makatarungan ang mga ito bago ipatupad (We would also like to inform the public that Meralco rates undergo thorough review and approval by the Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure they are fair and reasonable before implementation),” it explained.
The power distributor also said that its Power Supply Agreements (PSAs) with suppliers undergo bidding, or the so-called competitive selection process.
“Tinitiyak ng naturang proseso na nangongontrata lamang ang Meralco sa may pinakamurang offer na generation company para matugunan ang pangangailangan sa suplay ng kuryente (The process ensures that Meralco only contracts the power generation company that offers the lowest bid to meet electricity supply needs),” it said.
“Nananatiling tapat ang Meralco sa mandato nito at makakaasa ang aming mga customer na ginagawa namin ang lahat para patuloy na makapaghatid ng maaasahan at maayos na serbisyo ng kuryente (Meralco remains committed to its mandate, and customers can be assured that it is doing everything to continue providing reliable and efficient electricity service),” Meralco vowed.

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METRO NEWS PASIG CITY MERALCO EPIRA law Electricity bills
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