INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — Raymond Palatino, chairman of Bayan’s Metro Manila chapter and local spokesperson for the group POWER!, said there should be an “immediate and pro-poor” refund scheme for Meralco’s 5.3 million customers.
“It’s not simply a question of returning the excess; when we pawn something interest is paid,” said Palatino, who joined a demonstration in front of the power utility’s headquarters in Pasig City on Wednesday.
The protest was attended by around 50 members of Gabriela, Strike the Hike Network and Kilusang Mayo Uno, among others, who carried placards denouncing Meralco and its high electricity rates.
“Meralco, ganid sa tubo,” a placard read.
Another held by a Gabriela member said, “No to power rate hikes!”
Palatino said Meralco should also be sanctioned for “abuse of power” because it had allegedly colluded with other power companies to jack up the price of electricity.
“Let this be a lesson to all public utilities,” he said.
After the protest at Meralco, the group proceeded to nearby office of the Energy regulatory Commission and later to the Department of Energy in Taguig.
Palatino said the itinerary of their protest caravan, called #Due Date: Araw ng Paniningil, also included Meralco-Kalentong in Mandaluyong, and their last stop, Malacañang in Manila.
The protest caravan ended past 2 p.m., he said.
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