TRO vs. Power rate hike was extended 60 days, but…

Belarmino Dabalos Saguing
Rome, Italy 20/02/2014

The petitioners that includes Gabriela ask for the junking of P4.12/kWhour increase rate by Meralco 

(photo: Macky Macaspac)

The petition forwarded by Koalisyong Makabayan for the extension of TRO vs. P4.15/kW-hour Meralco rate increase wasd approved by the Supreme Court. The 60.day TRO extension SC decision also includes the restraining of the collection of increased rates by the power generators gave little satisfaction for the petitioners who also petitions for the junking of EPIRA and definitely stopping all power hike rates.

The power generator bloc includes Masinloc Power Partnerrs Co. Ltf. Of AES Philippines, San Miguel Energy Cropn., South Prremier Power Corp. and the National Grid Cortp. Of the Philippines. Included also in the TRO is the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMCO) which operates the spot market.

“Hindi pa rin naman malinaw kung bababa ang singil sa kuryente, kaya kahit may ektensiyon sa TRO, hindi kami titigil sa pagprotesta hangga’t hindi tuluyang naibabasura ang hinihinging dagdag-singil,” said Rep. Luz Ilagan of Gabriela, one of the petitioner. She said further that EPIRA 2001 must also be repealed since this is the basis of overpricing and manipulations of the power companies.

Gabriela SecGen Joms Salvador told Pinoy Weekly that Meralco is not losing due to the TRO. “Ang mga konsyumer, wala halos maibayad sa kuryente dahil walang trabaho o kaya naman kulang ang sahod dahil hindi naman mabigyan ng signipikanteng maitaas ng gobyerno ang sahod, “Ang mga konsyumer, wala halos maibayad sa kuryente dahil walang trabaho o kaya naman kulang ang sahod dahil hindi naman mabigyan ng signipikanteng maitaas ng gobyerno ang sahod,  Mahigit sa P17 Bilyon ang net profit ng Meralco dahil sa pakikipagsabwatan nito sapower producers na karamiha’y pagmamay-ari din nito,”  she added.

Hindi naman din daw nangangahulugan na pumanig ang Korte Suprema sa mga mamamayan. Resulta ito ng malawak na pagtutol ng publiko, declared Elmer Labog, Chairman of Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU).

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