Third petition vs power rate hike filed in SC

Anakpawis Rep. Fernando Hicap. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—A third petition seeking a permanent injunction on the power rate increase by the Manila Electric Co. was filed Friday before the Supreme Court.

Anakpawis Representative Fernando Hicap said: “The power rate hike that shamelessly favors Meralco is a big injustice to all Meralco power consumers, majority of who are ordinary Filipinos. Power companies cannot threat consumers with brownouts and blackouts. Filipinos will continue to oppose and counter oppose the power rate hike.”

Hicap said that while they welcomed the 60-day Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) of the high court, consumers need permanent and long-term relief from high power rates.

“Through this petition, we want to permanently prohibit Energy Regulatory Commission and Meralco from adjusting the generation charge,” he said.

The petition also seeks to stop the alleged collusion between Meralco and  power producers as evidenced by the simultaneous shutdown of their power plants.

Anakpawis also wanted the Supreme Court to declare the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) unconstitutional for failing to genuinely reform the country’s power industry.

“Epira provides for State’s abandonment of its power to regulate the excessive impositions of power generators and suppliers.  It provides for State’s abandonment of its mandate to promote a just and dynamic social order and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services and an improved quality of life for all,” the petition said.

Anakpawis said they would expect a response from the Supreme Court and prepare for the oral arguments scheduled on Jan. 21, 2014.

“The public must continue to oppose high power rates, demand Meralco and power companies to stop rate hikes and to refund the excess payment of consumers,” Hicap said.