(First of three parts)
The case of Bayan Muna vs. Energy Regulatory Commission and Meralco, for which the Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order preventing Meralco from imposing the highest power rate hike in Philippine history, alleges three things:
1. That the ERC abused its power by approving a P4.14/KwH rate hike which Meralco requested via a mere letter and which ERC approved within one working day last Dec. 9, allegeldly to preempt a congressional investigation scheduled on Dec. 10;
2. That the ERC failed in its mandate as provided for in the law to "protect the public from anti-competitive practices and abuse of market behavior of industry players" considering the monopolistic structure of the industry and the dubious circumstances surrounding this particular increase – eight plants making unscheduled shutdowns at the exact time when the Malampaya gas facility and several other power plants were undergoing scheduled maintennance;
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duriancitygal 