ALBAY 2nd District Representative Joey Salceda expressed his gratitude to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. for the swift and favorable action on the improved franchise granted to the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO), emphasizing its critical role in powering the country’s economic future.
“Thank you, President BBM, for the swift and favorable action on an improved franchise for MERALCO,” Salceda said. “This decision strengthens our commitment to more reliable, efficient, and forward-looking energy distribution across the country.”
Salceda noted that during congressional deliberations on the franchise, MERALCO committed to investing ₱206 billion in capital expenditures over the next five years. These funds are earmarked to reduce systems losses, enhance cost efficiency in distribution, and support the country’s transition to future-ready industries such as electric vehicles and data centers.
He also highlighted the company’s remarkable improvements in reliability. In 2011, average users experienced approximately 550 minutes of power interruptions annually. That number has since dropped to just 123 minutes—an achievement Salceda described as “unthinkable” back in the 1990s.
“MERALCO has done good and promises to do better,” Salceda said. “If the entire country were serviced by a provider as reliable as MERALCO, we could see an additional ₱204 billion in gross value added to the economy. That would bring our growth levels closer to the rapid expansion China experienced during its boom years.”
Salceda concluded by expressing confidence that the improved franchise will help MERALCO build on its gains and meet the evolving demands of a growing and modernizing economy.
“This renewed franchise ensures that MERALCO can continue to deliver dependable service and power the industries of tomorrow.”
