Fresh December air

I have noticed that Meralco has changed its tack lately. It has come up with a statement, helped by easy-to-understand graphics, to explain the 12-centavo rate adjustment that needlessly riles up some people.

In the past, Meralco’s explanations were too technical for ordinary readers, and one noted a hint of impatience in the voices of its spokesmen. This latest message from Meralco comes like a breath of fresh air. Now I believe, or rather, hope, that readers can understand and appreciate the issues better.

If only Meralco – as well as other firms, for that matter – addresses customers with respect and customer-friendly messages that make sense and help us understand issues, or raises, then we are always ready to listen.

Customers used to think that Meralco keeps most of the money it collects. Now we know that the utility firm has to make do with only 20 centavos for every peso it collects to keep our lights on and flicker-free.

The problem is, it its Meralco who sends the bill to customers like you and me. And our tendency is to think that it keeps it all.

We have also realized that, among the basic goods and services that we cannot do without, the Meralco distribution charge has grown by only 50 per cent over the last nine years. Jeepney fares have doubled, the dollar-to-peso exchange rate has grown by 114 per cent, LPG by 134 per cent, minimum wage by 142 per cent, newspapers by 200 per cent, and fuel oil by 440 per cent. The graph says it all.

The statement of no less than Meralco Chairman Manuel M. Lopez has humility written all over it when he began asking for "understanding and support" – and ended with a resolve to spend "every centavo it receivers from its customers to continually enhance its electric service."

If this signals a new era in the communication between us consumers and Meralco, then God bless us all this Christmas.

If you’re looking for something worthwhile to do tonight, watch and listen to the Philippine Madrigal Singers at the CCP Main Theater beginning at 8 o’clock. The concert, dubbed "Breath of Christmas," is being sponsored by the Rotary Club of Pasay Silangan. Ed Santiago, club president, says part of the proceeds of the concert will go to the purchase of a ventilator for the pediatric ward of the Philippine General Hospital. The ventilator, which costs P850, 000, is necessary to enable sick baby patients at the ward breath; the equipment spells the difference between life and death. You can purchase tickets at the reception table at the CCP.

Also tonight, Salute 2! Will be held at the Bren Guiao Convention Center in San Fernando City, Pampanga. The concert will showcase the musical talent of DILG Secretary Joey Lina, Presidential Adviser on Anti-Kidnapping and Ambassador General Angie Reyes and MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando. Concert producer Beth Sison Tagle says the trio will be singing for the benefit of Aetas this Christmas through the "Paskuhan Para SA Mga Katutubong Aeta" project of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Joining them is the original cast of Salute 2! Housing Secretary Mike Defensor, Justice Undersecretary Mercy Gutierez, the "Spice Boys" Reps. Miguel Zubiri, Ace Barbers, Nonoy Andaya and Rickey Sandoval, guest artists Dulce and Ivy Violan and other performers like Tessie Reyes, Lisette Laus, Jenny Hernandez, Pipo Lina and George Tagle

Pampanga Vice-Governor Mikey Arroyo and Agrarian Reform Secretary Obet Pagdangangan are the new addition to the group.

Salute 2! Producer is Beth Sison-Tagle.

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