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Advocates Philippines
House Panel Gives Green Light For Meralco Franchise Renewal And New Electric Co-ops
Photo credit: Congress PH
The House Committee on Legislative Franchises, led by Paranaque Congressman Gus Tambunting, gave the thumbs up on Monday for the consolidation of several House Bills aimed at renewing Meralco's franchise for another 25 years.
The bills in question—HBs 9793, 9813, and 10317—were brought forward by some key figures: Albay Representative Joey Salceda, Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez, and Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Jay Velasco, who respectively chair the committees on Ways and Means, Constitutional Amendments, and Energy.
Rodriguez, championing the approval, emphasized that “practically everything has been discussed, ventilated, and answered” during previous marathon hearings. Meanwhile, Rep. Velasco praised Meralco’s long-standing service, affirming, “Meralco has long been serving our country well, and I truly believe they are deserving of a new franchise.”
Currently, Meralco operates under a franchise that allows it to maintain and operate an extensive distribution system across Metro Manila and several nearby provinces. The new bill would extend this franchise for another quarter-century.
Rep. Salceda suggested aligning the Meralco renewal with Republic Act 12011, which recently granted a similar franchise to the Negros Electric Power Corporation. This act represents the current administration’s approach to legislative franchises for distribution utilities.
In addition to the Meralco discussion, the committee also approved new franchises for Sorsogon’s electric cooperatives. HB 9696, put forward by Rep. Wowo Fortes, will allow Sorsogon I Electric Cooperative Inc. (SORECO I) to operate in various Sorsogon towns. HBs 9775 and 9838, introduced by Reps. Marie Bernadette Escudero and Fortes, respectively, will grant Sorsogon Electric Cooperative II (SORECO II) the franchise to serve additional areas in the province.
The bills in question—HBs 9793, 9813, and 10317—were brought forward by some key figures: Albay Representative Joey Salceda, Cagayan de Oro Representative Rufus Rodriguez, and Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Jay Velasco, who respectively chair the committees on Ways and Means, Constitutional Amendments, and Energy.
Rodriguez, championing the approval, emphasized that “practically everything has been discussed, ventilated, and answered” during previous marathon hearings. Meanwhile, Rep. Velasco praised Meralco’s long-standing service, affirming, “Meralco has long been serving our country well, and I truly believe they are deserving of a new franchise.”
Currently, Meralco operates under a franchise that allows it to maintain and operate an extensive distribution system across Metro Manila and several nearby provinces. The new bill would extend this franchise for another quarter-century.
Rep. Salceda suggested aligning the Meralco renewal with Republic Act 12011, which recently granted a similar franchise to the Negros Electric Power Corporation. This act represents the current administration’s approach to legislative franchises for distribution utilities.
In addition to the Meralco discussion, the committee also approved new franchises for Sorsogon’s electric cooperatives. HB 9696, put forward by Rep. Wowo Fortes, will allow Sorsogon I Electric Cooperative Inc. (SORECO I) to operate in various Sorsogon towns. HBs 9775 and 9838, introduced by Reps. Marie Bernadette Escudero and Fortes, respectively, will grant Sorsogon Electric Cooperative II (SORECO II) the franchise to serve additional areas in the province.
Aug 13, 2024
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