ERC chief denies meeting Meralco chairman in Europe

MANILA, Philippines - The chairman of the Energy Regulatory Board (ERC) on Wednesday night denied reports circulating that he met Manila Electric Company (Meralco) chairman Manolo Lopez while both were abroad. In a text message sent to GMANews.TV, ERC chairman Rodolfo Albano said that he is travelling in Europe with his family, not with Lopez. “I deny vehemently the news item that Manolo Lopez and I are traveling together in Europe. I am traveling with my children and grand children. Neither the body or shadow of Don Manolo is with us," Albano said. Earlier, an ERC official also denied the rumors circulating in text messages about the meeting between the ERC and Meralco chairmen. According to ERC executive director Francis Juan, Albano was given permission by Malacanang to travel to Europe on May with his family, a GMA news report aired over 24 Oras said on Wednesday. “Siya (Albano) ay nagulat at napatawa dahil ni anino daw ni Mr (Manolo) Lopez ay hindi nya nakita. Sa mga dahilan talaga kung bakit sila kinailangang lumabas ng bansa ay para makapag-pilgrimage," said Juan. Former party-list Rep. Loretta Ann Rosales, who is now affiliated with the Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) said Albano should explain the text rumors that he and the Meralco chairman were together in a Mediterranean cruise. Rosales added that Albano should make himself available during this critical time when ERC is being investigated. The agency is one of those being blamed for the high cost of electricity in the country and some lawmakers are asking if it is protecting consumers against unnecessary power rate increases. “Kung totoo ito (text rumors), sa tingin ko, liable si Rudy Albano. Dapat maging batayan na ito para i-overhaul ang ERC,’ Rosales said. Interviewed on Tuesday, Meralco spokesman Elpi Cuna said that Manolo Lopez, Meralco chairman, was on a pilgrimage. Cuna declined to comment on Wednesday but he told GMA news that Lopez is now in the country and will call for a press conference on Thursday. - GMANews.TV