MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang wants any investigation into the power rates of the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) to be conducted by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) even as Congress prepares to conduct a joint probe of the Lopez-owned power utility.

Nevertheless, the Palace acknowledged that Congress is within its rights to conduct its own probe.

"Ang Congress ay may karapatan magsiyasat. Hindi na tayo makikialam sa kanilang prerogative. [Congess has the right to investigate. We will not interfere with that prerogative]," Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said.

The Joint Congressional Power Commission will investigate Meralco's power rates amid accusations that the power utility is purchasing power from its own independent power producers.

Senator Mirriam Defensor Santiago and Pampanga Representative Juan Miguel Arroyo, the President’s son, co-chair the commission.

But Bunye said it was through the “official process” of the executive branch that the public could participate and examine how Meralco computes its rates.

Bunye also brushed aside allegations that Malacañang, through the Government Service Insurance System, is trying to wrest control of Meralco.

"Wala [tayong] interes sa leadership [ng Meralco]. Ang interes natin ay information [We have no interest in taking over Meralco’s leadership. Our interest is information]," Bunye said, reiterating the Palace’s position that the utility firm should open its books to public scrutiny.

The government, through the Department of Trade and Industry, has filed a petition before the ERC to comply with the President’s directive to lower power rates, increase power distribution to lower income consumers and stop Meralco from charging systems losses to consumers.

The ERC opened its hearing on the petition on Monday.