READ: The law giving fresh franchise to Meralco

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has granted a fresh 25-year franchise for power distributor Manila Electric Company (Meralco), with the aim to ensure the efficient and reliable delivery of electric power services.

Republic Act No. 12146 indicated that Meralco shall provide universal service and supply electricity to its captive market in urban and rural portions of its franchise area, including unviable areas, in the last cost manner.

''In the interest of the public good and as far as feasible and whenever required by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), the Grantee shall modify, improve, or change its facilities, poles, lines, systems, and equipment for the purpose of providing efficient and reliable service and reduced electricity costs,'' the law stated.

The new law also said Meralco shall guarantee the establishment of a platform that will handle consumer concerns and complaints and ensure adequate promotion of consumer interests in accordance with applicable rules and regulations of the ERC, its successor, and other relevant regulatory agencies.

''The Grantee shall act with dispatch on and resolve all complaints brought before it within such period as may be determined by the ERC, in accordance with applicable regulations, and shall ensure that such a platform can be remotely accessed through electronic or digital means.

Under the law, the retail rates and charges for the distribution of electric power by Meralco to its end-users shall be regulated by and subject to the approval of the ERC or its legal successor.

Further, the power distributor is tasked to submit, as part of its annual report, its corporate social responsibility initiatives, such as providing electricity access to unenergized areas, remote off-grid schools, community and health centers, and its efforts to restore power in areas affected by calamities.

Meralco is also obliged under the new law to provide open and non-discriminatory access to its distribution system and services for any end-user within its franchise area consistent with Republic Act No. 9136, as amended.

Marcos signed the law on April 11, 2025, according to Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.

Following this, Meralco chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said the renewal of the franchise "fortifies our commitment to deliver stable, reliable, and affordable electricity to millions of Filipinos across our franchise area."

Pangilinan said the new franchise would enable the firm to implement long-term energy infrastructure projects, which will further improve the delivery of electricity to homes, businesses, and industries that fuel the country's development.

"It also allows us to continue investing in the modernization and expansion of our distribution network—making it more resilient to climate-related disruptions—while introducing innovations that enhance efficiency and raise customer experience," he said in an earlier statement. —VAL, GMA Integrated News