Industry groups have manifested support to legislative measures pushing for the renewal of the franchise of Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) for another 25 years.
Parañaque 2nd District Rep. Gustavo Tambunting, House committee on legislative franchises chairman, acknowledged during a congressional hearing that more than two dozen groups have endorsed the company’s franchise renewal, noting its role in supporting the country’s economic growth.
The Makati Business Club (MBC), Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Federation of Philippine Industries Inc. (FPI) and British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) were among the groups that called for the grant of a fresh authority to operate for Meralco, which services the country’s key economic hub Metro Manila and neighboring areas.
“Since its initial franchise, Meralco has achieved near-universal electrification within its franchise area and has consistently met growing demand. Moreover, a renewed franchise for Meralco aligns with government objectives to enhance energy security, resilience and sustainability,” MBC said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Rene Almendras, MAP president, said the group “strongly supports the renewal of the franchise of Meralco which ensures reliable electricity that is crucial for businesses and Filipinos’ well-being.”
For FPI, renewing Meralco’s franchise will also ensure stability needed for local industries to grow further.
“We see no reason to disrupt the continued operation of Meralco and not renewing its franchise is not only extremely counterproductive but also a big disservice to Filipinos,” said Jesus Arranza, FPI chairman, in a separate statement.
For its part, BCCP cited Meralco’s reliable service for over a century and emphasized its pivotal role in the local energy sector.
Also joining the roster of groups backing Meralco’s franchise renewal bid are the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines, Philippine Iron and Steel Institute, and the Society of Philippine Electrotechnical Constructors and Suppliers Inc.
Other organizations that have endorsed the renewal of Meralco’s legislative franchise are the Advocates and Keepers Organization of Overseas Filipino Workers, Bankers Association of the Philippines, Private Electric Power Operators Association, Cavite Export Zone Investors Association, Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines, Cold Chain Association of the Philippines, Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers, and Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc.
Also supporting Meralco are the International Association of Business Communicators Philippines, Mapúa Electrical Engineering Alumni Association Inc., Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors Inc., Philippine Hotel Owners Association Inc., Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc., Philippine Retailers Association, Retail Electricity Suppliers Association Inc., Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines Inc., and Women’s Business Council of the Philippines.
