By Victoria “NIKE” De Dios
Cognizant of the need for a reliable power source and company as the country seizes the momentum in the growing trust and confidence of the foreign investors and the new business that are now operating, the Captains of the Industries in the Philippines welcome the recent endorsement made by the House panel extending Meralco franchise for another 25 years.
Groups like Advocates and Keepers Organization of Overseas Filipino Workers (AKO-OFW), Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), Private Electric Power Operators Association (PEPOA), Cavite Export Zone Investors Association (CEZIA), Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP), Cold Chain Association of the Philippines (CCAP), Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers (IIEE), Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc (SEIPI), International Association of Business Communicators Philippines (IABC Philippines), Mapúa Electrical Engineering Alumni Association Inc (MEEAA), Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors, Inc (PALSCON), Philippine Hotel Owners Association Inc. (PHOA), Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPI), Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), Retail Electricity Suppliers Association Inc (RESA), Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines Inc (JCCIPI) and Women’s Business Council of the Philippines (WBCP) have manifested support for the proposed legislative measures pushing for the renewal of the franchise of the Meralco for another 25 years.
House Committee on Legislative Franchises Chairman Parañaque 2nd District Rep. Gustavo Tambunting acknowledged during a congressional hearing that more than two dozen groups have endorsed Meralco’s franchise renewal, noting the power distributor’s role in supporting the country’s economic growth.
The industry and professional groups span various sectors such as energy, trade, and manufacturing formally expressed their support through formal letters submitted to the house panel.
The Makati Business Club (MBC), the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), the Federation of Philippine Industries, Inc. (FPI), the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP), were among the groups that called for the grant of a fresh authority to operate for Meralco, which services the country’s key economic hub Metro Manila and neighboring areas.
“Since its initial franchise, Meralco has achieved near-universal electrification within its franchise area and has consistently met growing demand. Moreover, a renewed franchise for Meralco aligns with government objectives to enhance energy security, resilience, and sustainability,” the MBC said.
MAP President Rene Almendras meanwhile said the group “strongly supports the renewal of the franchise of Meralco which ensures reliable electricity that is crucial for businesses and Filipinos’ well-being”.
For the FPI, renewing Meralco’s franchise will ensure the stability needed for local industries to grow further.
“We see no reason to disrupt the continued operation of MERALCO, and not renewing its franchise is not only extremely counterproductive but also a big disservice to Filipinos,” FPI Chairman Jesus L. Arranza said.
The BCCP for its part commended Meralco for over a century of reliable service and emphasized its pivotal role in the local energy sector.
“Meralco has established itself as a reputable company aimed at providing quality and affordable energy service to millions of Filipinos,” it said.
Also joining the roster of groups backing Meralco’s franchise renewal bid are the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), the Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI), and the Society of Philippine Electrotechnical Constructors and Suppliers (SPECS) Inc.
“Meralco has been an indispensable partner in our country’s economic landscape, providing essential electric power services that are foundational to the operations of industries large and small,” ECOP said in a letter signed by its chairman of the board, Edgardo Lacson, and its president, Sergio Ortiz-Luis Jr.
The IBPAP meanwhile highlighted Meralco’s key role in the growth of the country’s IT and Business Process Management sector.
“Our sector relies heavily on uninterrupted power supply to maintain productivity, support business continuity, and drive economic development and Meralco has been integral to the development and growth of the country’s IT-BPM industry,” IBPAP President and CEO Jack Madrid said.
For its part, PISI advocated for the renewal of Meralco’s to allow for continuity in electricity service delivery.
“We believe that this will best serve the interests of the public whilst aiding in the continued growth of our nation’s economy,” PISI President Ronald Magsajo said.
The SPECS meanwhile called on lawmakers to approve the renewal of Meralco’s franchise to ensure stability in the power sector, noting that “it ensures reliable electricity that is crucial for businesses and Filipinos’ well-being.”