House OKs on 2nd reading bill granting Meralco a fresh 25-year franchise

The House of Representatives on Tuesday evening approved on second reading the bill granting the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) another 25 years of franchise.

The lower chamber voted on the approval of House Bill No, 10926 through viva-voce voting.

The present franchise of Meralco will expire on 2028.

Once enacted into law, the Metro Manila-based power distributor is expected to supply electricity to its customers in the least costly manner. Further, its rates and charges should be regulated by and subject to the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission.

The bill also requires Meralco to establish a platform for consumer concerns to handle complaints.

Moreover, the President will also have the right to temporarily take over and operate the facilities of Meralco in times of war, rebellion, calamity, or emergency.

Meralco is also expected to continue submitting its annual report to Congress if the bill is passed.

Early this year, the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters  raised concern over the “ill-timed” push for Meralco’s franchise renewal as customers feel the weight of the increase of power rates.

But the ERC earlier said that Meralco's distribution rate would remain at its current rate at P1.3522 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) until 2026. — BAP, GMA Integrated News