THE attempt to rush the franchise renewal of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) is raising suspicions over its ultimate objective, according to a consumers’ group.
United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC) said the bid to renew the Meralco franchise four years ahead of its expiry is ill-timed, adding it is happening just when Meralco customers are feeling the weight of increasing electricity rates as a result of increased demand.
Rodolfo Javellana Jr., UFCC president, said the ongoing push by a few lawmakers to renew the Meralco franchise four years ahead is clearly being done with haste and appeared to be setting the tone in Meralco’s favor.
“They are now conditioning the mindset of the public,” said Javellana, whose group has been advocating consumers’ right and has filed several cases before the Energy Regulatory Commission against Meralco for alleged overcharging.
He cited the declaration of Albay Rep. Joey Salceda that renewing the Meralco franchise is good for the economy as an example of mind conditioning.
“Congressman Salceda probably forgot that it is proper to ask Meralco consumers first if they are happy with the service provided by Meralco,” Javellana said.
Salceda, who authored House Bill No. 9793, is seeking a 25-year extension of Meralco’s franchise set to expire in 2028.
Javellana said the proponents of the early renewal appear bent on bypassing public consultations and participation in the process.
“For the UFCC, it is important for consumers to have a say in the matter,” he added.
Before working to renew the franchise, Javellana said lawmakers should first evaluate the utility’s performance against records available at the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).
“On the part of the ERC, did it conduct a so-called ‘thorough audit’ for Meralco’s performance?” Javellana said. “When we say thorough audit, this will determine whether Meralco made excessive charge for its services.”
Should there be proof of overcharging, Javellana said calls to renew the Meralco franchise ahead of time should be junked immediately. The franchise area should revert back to government control, he said.
