Solon backs new Meralco franchise for senior citizens’ sake

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker has thrown his support for the proposed new Manila Electric Company (Meralco) franchise as senior citizens need a reliable power supply to go about their lives.

Senior Citizens party-list Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes explained on Thursday that a lot of the country’s elderly population rely on electric service to support their needs, like for cooling, lighting, and more importantly for sick seniors, powering their medical equipment.

“Consistently providing efficient, dependable, and affordable electricity services is very important for senior citizens, who are more affected by power disruptions,” Ordanes said in a statement.

“Renewing Meralco’s franchise will help ensure that our elderly continue to benefit from stable electricity services,” he added.

Ordanes was not the first lawmaker to publicly come out and support proposals for Meralco’s fresh 25-year franchise.  Recently, Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez released several statements noting that business groups’ support for Meralco’s new franchise should prompt support from lawmakers.

According to Rodriguez, the new Meralco franchise would ensure stability in the country.

READ: House urged to support calls for new Meralco franchise

But opposition stalwart and ACT Teachers Partylist Rep. France Castro has questioned several times why Meralco’s new franchise is being discussed over three years before it expires.

Meralco’s current franchise will expire in 2028.

Castro last Sunday asked if Meralco has already addressed problems with its distribution and its power rates to merit support for its new franchise.

“Is there a public clamor to immediately renew Meralco’s franchise that isn’t due to end until 2028? If there is such a clamor, what are the reasons behind it? Is their service exemplary or are their electricity rates low?” Castro said in a statement over the weekend.

“Isn’t the Philippines still among those with the highest electricity rates in Asia? This is a common complaint among businesses, especially during red or yellow alerts. What has Meralco done to address these concerns?” she added.

READ: House urged to support calls for new Meralco franchise

On Wednesday, several young lawmakers from the House of Representatives called on the government to check whether power companies and distribution utilities are prepared for the possible effects of La Niña on the national grid.

READ: Lawmakers want power status review before La Niña hits PH

But according to Ordanes, Meralco has provided its consumers, particularly the senior population, with good service, adding that renewing the franchise would be in the best interest of seniors.

“Recognizing the unique challenges of this sector, Meralco provides senior citizens a five percent discount to provide financial relief and to improve the quality of life for many members of the elderly population,” he said.

“Renewing Meralco’s franchise will ensure our senior citizens continue to receive the essential services they need and deserve,” he added.