Meralco franchise approval eyed before end of 19th Congress

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Joel Villanueva is hopeful the bill seeking to extend Manila Electric Co. (Meralco)’s legislative franchise will be approved before the end of the 19th Congress.

At the Kapihan sa Senado yesterday, Villanueva said he, as bill sponsor, is pushing to have the measure to extend the franchise of the country’s largest power distributor for another 25 years.

Villanueva said Meralco plans to invest P24 billion to repair its electric posts and improve the electric distribution system in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and Rizal.

Meralco also promised to reduce systems loss and minimize power interruptions, he added.

Villanueva is eyeing to have the bill passed on second reading before the break in February for the 2025 election campaign period and to have it approved on final reading before the end of the 19th Congress in June.

“From the time I took charge of the subcommittee, I told Meralco to do better. There’s no such thing as a perfect company, but they’re willing to walk the extra mile,” Villanueva said, adding that the Senate does not want to interrupt Meralco’s services for eight million consumers.

While Meralco’s franchise bill is pending at the Senate, it was approved at the House of Representatives in November last year.