The Senior Citizens Party-list expressed support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signing of Republic Act 12146, which extends the franchise of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) for another 25 years. The law, signed on April 11, allows Meralco to continue operating its power distribution network across Metro Manila and parts of Central and Southern Luzon.
The group, represented in Congress by Rep. Rodolfo Ordanes, had backed the early renewal of Meralco’s franchise during the 19th Congress, citing the importance of reliable electricity to senior citizens’ daily lives, particularly for medical equipment, food storage, and other essentials.
They noted Meralco’s efforts to improve service reliability through infrastructure investments, as well as its ongoing senior citizen discount program, which offers a five percent subsidy to qualified beneficiaries.
The law requires Meralco to maintain efficient, inclusive, and transparent service, aligned with Department of Energy and Energy Regulatory Commission standards. It includes provisions for billing transparency and a lifeline rate for marginalized customers.
Meralco’s current franchise, initially set to expire in 2028, is now extended through 2053, covering Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Rizal, and parts of Batangas, Laguna, Quezon, and Pampanga.
