MANILA – Senator Joel Villanueva on Thursday expressed optimism about the approval of the Meralco franchise renewal bill by the Senate before the 19th Congress adjourns or even earlier.

“By Monday (Jan. 20), matatapos yung interpellations (interpellations are done), debates, and period of amendments,” Villanueva said during the regular Kapihan sa Senado media forum.

The chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Public Services handling Meralco franchise renewal bill said he expects the Senate to approve the measure on second reading before the February break.

When asked about potential roadblocks, Villanueva downplayed concerns, saying that no major opposition has emerged.

“Some senators, like Senators (Sherwin) Gatchalian and Jinggoy Estrada, requested additional information. If they’re satisfied with the submissions, they will no longer interpellate,” he said.

Villanueva said most senators plan to propose amendments rather than challenge the measure.

On the possibility of third-reading approval, Villanueva expressed confidence that it could happen within the 19th Congress, or even before the Senate’s election recess on Feb. 5.

“”Conservatively, matapos ang (we will finish the) second reading by next week. I will not even be surprised if we finish this before the break. Everything is possible,” he said.

Villanueva reiterated his commitment to seeing the bill through, underscoring the need for reliable energy services.

As a result of Senate scrutiny, Meralco initiated a rate reduction in January, decreasing costs by PHP0.2189 per kilowatt-hour, which translates to a savings of around PHP44 for residential consumers using 200 kilowatt-hours monthly.

Villanueva attributed the decrease to rigorous evaluation of power generation costs, the largest component of electricity rates.

The senator compared Meralco’s performance metrics with other electric utilities, noting its reliability.

Meralco achieved a System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI) of 1.19 interruptions annually, and a System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI) of 123 minutes.

These figures outperform Davao Light and Power (525 SAIDI), and Panay Electric Company (1,978 SAIDI). (PNA)