TWO lawmakers have voiced support for a proposal to review and split into three the mega-franchise that Congress had given Meralco.
The proposal, made by Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez in a privileged speech, urged the House of Representatives to start a review of the mega-franchise and divide it into three due to its poor service and alleged abuses.
In a manifestation that followed Fernandez’s speech last Nov. 7, Laguna Rep. Ann Matibag said consistent high-power rates are among the reasons why the Philippines is failing to attract foreign investors to boost the economy, throwing a stumbling block to President Marcos Jr’s bid to show the Philippines is now “back in business.”
ACT Rep. France Castro also expressed support to the call to split Meralco’s franchise into three, saying: “If discussions are visceral and affect everyone like utilities or necessities in the household, that is more than very apt and timely for us Filipinos.”
Castro said she supports Fernandez’s calls to review Meralco’s franchise and is open to having an inquiry by the House on ERC’s failure to regulate Meralco and determine the source of lapses in power distribution.
“There is a need to review the (Meralco) franchise, there is also a need to hold the ERC accountable for its lapses for many years. I support the resolution of our colleague, Honorable Dan Fernandez,” said Castro.
“We are all aware that our country has very high electricity rates and, in fact, one of the highest electricity rates not only in Asia but in the whole world,” said Matibag.
“We are also aware that our country could not effectively attract foreign investors despite efforts of the government, even by the President himself, to encourage investors from other countries to come and put their businesses here,” she said.
Added to high costs is the failure to assure a stable supply of power that is turning off potential investors, said Matibag.
“We can either divide Meralco as what Congressman Fernandez proposed or Meralco must give up entirely its interest in the supply of electricity,” Matibag added.
“I urge my colleagues in the House to support the proposed resolution of our dear Congressman Dan Fernandez. It is high time that we put the interest of the Filipino people first and foremost,” she said.
