Bayan to SC : Junk Meralco power hike plea

MANILA, Philippines - Militant group Bayan on Monday called on the Supreme Court to finally decide and junk the power rate adjustment sought by power distributor Manila Electric Company.

Bayan made the call as the temporary restraining order against Meralco's P4.15 power rate hike expires tomorrow, April 22.

Bayan had petitioned for the scrapping of the power rate hike, asking the High Court to stop the power adjustment by Meralco.

In a statement, Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes Jr., however, said if the High Tribunal would not extend the TRO on the power rate adjustment, Meralco still could not impose the power hike as an order of the Energy Regulatory Commission remains in effect.

"If the SC does not extend the TRO, Meralco still cannot impose the rate hike because of an ERC order that sought to re-compute generation rates from November to December 2013," Reyes said.

He added that power company should instead be implementing a refund to its clientele.

"A refund would then be in order since it has been established that rates at the time were artificially high. Consumers need relief and protection from market abuses. The SC should take the side of the small consumers, not the big power firms," Reyes said.