Over 20 industry groups have rallied behind the renewal of Meralco’s franchise as the Senate conducts deliberations on the proposed legislative measure.

Senate Bill No. 2824 authored by Senator Joel Villanueva, seeks to grant Meralco a fresh 25-year authority to operate. In his sponsorship speech, the lawmaker recognized the distribution utility’s critical role in ensuring continuance of delivering service to millions of homes and businesses.

“Meralco has long been a partner in our nation’s progress, but with that partnership come accountability. This bill ensures that Meralco continues to meet the needs of our people while preparing for the challenges and opportunities of the future,” Senator Villanueva had said.

Many business and industry groups in the country has since backed the timely renewal of Meralco’s franchise, among them are the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc. (AmCham) the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP), and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines Inc. (JCCPI).

According to FPI and the JCCIPI, renewing Meralco’s franchise will increase business confidence in the manufacturing sector which in turn can positively impact the economy.

“We see no reason to disrupt the continued operation of Meralco, and not renewing its franchise is not only extremely counterproductive but also a big disservice to Filipinos,” FPI Chairman Jesus Lim Arranza said, noting that “with Meralco’s continued operations, manufacturers can confidently plan for the future.”

JCCIPI Vice President and Executive Director Nobuo Fujii meanwhile said: “Renewing Meralco’s franchise is crucial for sustaining the positive trajectory of economic growth and development in the country. A favorable decision will ensure that the manufacturing industry, along with many others, can continue to thrive and contribute to the nation’s prosperity.”

For their part, AmCham and the BCCP highlighted the critical role the distribution utility plays in the Philippine energy industry.

“The renewal of Meralco’s franchise is critical to maintaining the energy stability necessary for the continued growth and competitiveness of the industries we represent. Meralco’s proven track record and strategic vision align with the Philippines’ economic and social development goals, further underscoring the importance of this renewal,” AmCham Executive Director Ebb Hinchliffe said.

“The British Chamber strongly recommends its franchise renewal, emphasizing Meralco’s pivotal role in the local energy sector. It also reinforces its commitment to integrating global best practices in the industry, thereby significantly benefitting consumers through enhanced service reliability, efficiency, and ensuring sustainable energy solutions that foster economic growth and stability in the Philippines,” BCCP Executive Director Christopher James Nelson said.

Other groups that have expressed support for Meralco’s franchise renewal are the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), Philippine Iron and Steel Institute (PISI), Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP), Institute of Integrated Electrical Engineers of the Philippines Inc (IIEE), Data Center Association of the Philippines (DCAP), and Samahan sa Pilipinas ng Mga Industriyang Kimika (SPIK), Philippine Retailers Association (PRA), IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), Philippine Hotel Owners Association Inc. (PHOA), Semiconductor and Electronics Industries of the Philippines (SEIPI), Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines (CAMPI), National Real Estate Association Inc. (NREA), Philippine Association of Legitimate Service Contractors, Inc. (PALSCON), Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PHAPi), Women’s Business Council Philippines Inc. (WBC), Cold Chain Association of the Philippines (CCAP), Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI).

With an 8-million strong customer base, Meralco’s service area makes up around half of the country’s gross domestic product, underscoring the crucial role it plays in enabling economic growth.