Nacionalista Party and Makabayan coalition senatorial candidate Rep. Liza Maza denounced the alleged deal between Liberal Party presidential bet Noynoy Aquino and the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to forego the overcharging in electricity rates, if the latter is elected as President.
This developed as the Movement for Better Values (MBV) picketed the offices of the Meralco and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to protest recent increases in electricity rates and bared the alleged secret deal between Meralco and the Noynoy Aquino camp.
“Macapagal-Arroyo’s legacy of high electricity rates since the approval of RA 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) in 2001 and Noynoy’s dream for the presidency bodes ill for consumers and the people,” Maza said.
“The Noynoy deal with Meralco, if this is true, could be a portent of things to come. The ERC is already sitting on the excessive billings of Meralco proven by the COA audit. Should the deal push through, we are in for bigger electric shocks,” Maza added.
Figures from Commission on Audit (Coa) audit reports on Meralco reveal overcharges amounting to 8.552 billion pesos and 4.375 billion pesos in test years 2004 and 2007 for a total of 12.98 billion pesos. The years 1987 to 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2008 were not included in the Coa audit.
Based on Meralco’s audited financial statements for 2003 to 2009, the overcharging could reach 15.4 billion pesos.
From a capital base of 441.6-million pesos, Meralco’s capital ballooned to 39.2-billion pesos or 8,896 percent in 21 years or an equivalent of 423.6 percent yearly gain.
“This far exceeds the 12 percent returns allowable by law for public utilities like Meralco. Instead of increasing power rates, Meralco should immediately refund consumers and the Noynoy camp should explain their dealings with this company,” Maza said.
For reference:
Liza Maza for Senator movement
c/o 118 Scout Rallos, Quezon City
Tel/Fax: 02-9316268; 02-9295342
Email Addresses: lizamaza2010@gmail.com, lizamaza2010@yahoo.com
Website: www.lizamaza.com, www.gabrielawomensparty.net
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