RedBlueThoughts

This row between Meralco and GSIS is getting worse. Allegations of corruption and bribery are heating the fight between the two. And nobody intends to give way to the other.

Like others, I sympathize with Meralco. Meralco is in a bad situation. It’s a private enterprise that, for soo long, has monopolized the power distribution franchise in Metro Manila. It’s abusive. It’s not a compassionate company nor do it enjoys the trust and confidence of the people. The way it is being run by the Lopezes is really bad.

That case filed at the Court of Appeals should have destroyed the Lopezes’ hold of Meralco. It should have been granted. Now, it is being tainted by charges of corruption. It’s evident that money changed hands from both sides and despite these expected denials, the way this is turning out to be seems headed for a direct confrontation.

People don’t care if Meralco loses this fight. Many people hate Meralco. They agree on government attempts to de-monopolize the power distribution sector. This fight could have been different had Arroyo appointed another hatchet man.

Winston Garcia obviously favor the Aboitiz Group of Companies who happens to be the direct competitors of the Lopezes in the power industry. Had it been a different person who challenged the Lopezes to a fight, this war could have ended in favor of the government.

Look, despite calls for Meralco to lower its electricity rates, it remains very high, higher than those being charged by utility companies abroad. Worst, Meralco does not have a heart for the people. They’ll cut your electricity if you fail to pay them the first time.

In a critical economic situation such as the one we are experiencing now, Meralco’s policies can be described as heartless, even inhumane. I’m sure many people would not be able to pay those 3-4000 plus electricity bills since people would prioritize buying food first instead of paying those exorbitant bills.

Will Meralco win this war against the government for the nth time? I doubt it.