MANILA, Philippines -- Speaker Prospero Nograles is supporting Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago's proposal for a joint congressional investigation of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco), hoping that this “could be the beginning of a better relationship” between the two chambers.

Nograles said that the joint inquiry could minimize gridlocks in formulating different measures, especially on issues about wages, food, fuel and electricity.

“These are the issues that have a direct impact on our people. Coming out with pieces of legislation which are products of cooperation and partnership between the two chambers will hasten their passage into law,” said Nograles.

From Santiago's proposal, Nograles said that the Senate and the House of Representatives should conduct more joint hearings on issues of “mutual interest” which would include food, fuel, and energy in order to avoid redundancy and at the same time, save time and money for the two chambers and their potential resource persons.

“I support Senator Santiago's proposal to conduct joint hearings by the energy committees of the House and the Senate regarding Meralco to avoid redundancy,” said Nograles.

Expressing alarm over the continuing increase in fuel prices in the world market, Nograles said, “This proposal of Senator Santiago is most practical for Congress, their resource persons and the consuming public. It's a faster way to resolve issues and make the necessary laws or amendments to existing laws on oil and energy.”

Nograles said this as he ordered the House committees on energy chaired by Pampanga Representative Juan “Miguel” Arroyo, ways and means under Antique Representative Exequiel Javier, labor under Valenzuela Representative Magtanggol Gunigundo, agriculture chaired by Palawan Representative Abraham Mitra, and agrarian reform under Apayao Representative Elias Bulut to work together and “make sure that all issues with respect to energy and food production will be immediately addressed.”

With the global food and energy crisis, Nograles said that the joint investigation on Meralco was consistent with Congressman Arroyo's decision to hold a congressional hearing, in aid of legislation, into alleged overcharging by Meralco.

The proposed amendments to the EPIRA law to accelerate the implementation of retail competition and open access in the electric power industry have been pending for plenary debates at the House.

The energy committee is also deliberating and consolidating 14 related bills that focus on the development and promotion of renewable energy resources in the country.

The panel has also received several bills that seek to speed up the development of the natural gas industry in an effort to minimize the country's dependence on imported oil.