A time to look at Meralco

2008-05-15T20:29:00.000-07:00

Electricity is a basic commodity. Just like any basic need, it is an everyday necessity since it runs businesses, education, communication etc.. It is practically a major factor in the country’s development. However, setback comes if private companies supplying us with such need are robbing us by blindly overcharging the end users. If that’s the case, it is a disservice to the community and the government has every right to protect its people.

With the government’s intent of troubleshooting the country of poverty cause to uplift the lives of the people, they have come across Manila Electric Company (Meralco) – a major supplier of electricity in the country. Digging into the Meralco power rates was very timely, considering that oil price hike is unavoidable and the expanded tax is a prime need for the country’s development. The government is right in knowing and looking into the factors that gravely affects the lives of the Filipino people as well as the country’s growth and development. Looking at Meralco and scrutinizing how they charge the populace is a must. Though Meralco is a relatively big firm, it is not, and will not, be immune to public scrutiny especially if disservice is the issue. Disservice to the extent of allegedly robbing the paying clients through jacked up power rates. Certain questions hit the public when the issue on Meralco’s seemingly untransparent transactions was brought out. Meralco is not only the sole electric power distributor in the country. Others includes the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR), National Transmission Corporation (TransCo), East Asia Utilities Corporation (EAUC), Cebu Private Power Corporation (CPPC), Surigao del Sur Electric Company (SURSECO) and Visayan Electric Company (VECO). However, some observant have readily noticed their differences in their rates with Meralco higher than the others. A glimpse of unfairness was foreseeable, even if Meralco issues detailed receipts amongst its clients. The government has been blind on the gross and net income of the company that may, or may not, justify their power rates.

The Senate was right in holding investigation regarding Meralco’s alleged overcharged electric bills. At least the investigation is now focused on the suspected disservice to the Filipinos, unlike past inquiries that centers on political issues and anti-administration drive. Transparency is the main issue against Meralco. With the Senate inquiry, a positive output is much expected by the Filipino people since it will explain everything whether they are being robbed or being charged correctly. Meanwhile, left-leaning organization and opposition members by this time should avoid using the issue against the government and instead, help in getting to the root of what really is affecting the lives of the Filipinos. Perhaps it is high time for them to focus on the welfare of the general public and stop their senseless accusations against the present administration that doesn’t really help in the country’s development.