Various progressive groups gathered in front of the Meralco Main Office in Ortigas, Pasig City on July 20 to condemn the continuing rise in electricity rates, which has severely burdened the public. The groups called for holding the company accountable for relentless rate hikes that generate billions in profits.

In June, Meralco’s residential rates spiked to P14 to P16 per kilowatt-hour. Since January, the company’s rates have increased by nearly P2 to P3 per kilowatt-hour. Public outrage intensified after Meralco Chief Executive Officer Manuel V. Pangilinan announced that the company’s earnings are expected to exceed 50 billion pesos in 2026. According to protesters, the soaring profits are proof of blatant exploitation while Filipino families suffer in poverty.

The groups emphasized that the root of the crisis is Meralco’s control as the sole giant monopoly in electricity distribution in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. They also condemned the company’s “dual ownership,” noting that Meralco owns both power generation plants and the exclusive distribution grid. As a result, the company can purchase electricity from its own plants that use expensive, imported crude oil and petroleum, passing the additional costs on to ordinary consumers.

Aside from high tariffs, Metro Manila consumers complained about widespread cases of meter “misreadings.” Consumers are often shocked by sudden doubling or tripling of their monthly bills without basis or explanation. They were further angered by the response of Meralco’s management, which advised customers to pay their bills despite questioning their stated consumption. The groups said such statements demonstrate the company’s outright disregard for consumer rights.