Meralco franchise renewal awaits President Marcos OK

March 15, 2025 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — A bill seeking to extend the franchise of power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) for another 25 years has already been transmitted to the Office of the President.

Meralco chief finance officer Betty Siy-Yap confirmed to The STAR that House Bill 10926 was forwarded to President Marcos yesterday.

Once Marcos signs the bill into law, the company will have the authority to distribute power to Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal and select areas in Batangas, Laguna, Quezon and Pampanga until 2053.

Meralco’s franchise is set to expire in 2028.

The House of Representatives adopted the amendments made by the Senate last month, clearing the way for the bill to be sent to Malacañang for Marcos’ signature.

The House approved HB 10926 on third reading last Nov. 26, while senators voted in favor of the bill last Feb. 3.

HB 10926 is a consolidation of House bills 9793, 9813 and 10317, authored by congressmen Joey Salceda, Rufus Rodriguez and Lord Allan Velasco, respectively.

“Granting a fresh authority to Meralco to operate will allow the distribution utility to implement long-term projects to further improve the delivery of electricity service,” Meralco said in an earlier statement to The STAR.

Meralco said the franchise extension would enable investments in capital-intensive projects aimed at enhancing the resiliency and adaptability of its distribution network to severe weather disturbances.

“As we continue to explore ways to bring more value to Filipino consumers, Meralco reaffirms its commitment to remaining an active partner of the government in nation-building,” the company said.

Earlier, some of the country’s biggest business groups expressed their support for Meralco’s franchise renewal, citing the company’s proven track record in providing reliable electricity service to Filipinos.