COA Should go through Meralco's Books with a Fine-toothed Comb

Anakpawis Representative Crispin Beltran today lauded the Court of Appeals annulled and set aside an order by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)unbundling the rates of Manila Electric Company (MERALCO). He said that the rate unbundling has only given Meralco greater leeway to exploit and abuse consumers.

"This decision should set a precedent against all other attempts and proposals of Meralco regarding the determination of its rates and how they will be implemented and imposed on consumers," he said.

"The ERC under chair Rodolfo Albano should take heed and cease and desist from immediately considering much less approving any more pending requests on the part of Meralco regarding rate increases and adjustments. As for the rate unbundling, the entire bundle of anomalous rates should be thrown out the window."

Beltran said that Meralco should be compelled to come up with a new system of rates-determination that will take into consideration the CA's opposition to the rate unbundling; as well as previous decisions laid down by the Supreme Court (SC).

"This time around, Meralco's consumers through their lawyers and representatives in the advocacy groups, as well as the national government which also owns a considerable share of Meralco's stocks should take part in the deliberations for a new rates system. The new rates system should be more consumer and service-oriented, and not propelled and manipulated by sheer greed. A better, socialized rates system should be implemented in Meralco, and consumers should be consulted regarding this," he said.

The veteran labor leader turned lawmaker said that ERC chair Albano should also be instructed by the court to submit all records of meetings and agreements between the ERC to consumers' advocacy groups who play a major role in fighting Meralco's unjust profiteering and anomalous rates. "The driving force behind all these legal actions are the consumers and the organizations that support their cause and defend their interests. The ERC should be made to recognize their authority as well, and never again neglect their participation in hearings and their right to be heard," he added.

Finally, Beltran said that the Commission on Audit (COA) should go through Meralco's records with a fine-toothed comb. "There is no doubt that the COA will find many questionable details in Meralco's books. Opening the books and making the records available for public scrutiny will help consumers and their advocates strengthen the campaign to put an end once and for to Meralco's immoral and anomalous profiteering," he said.