The provincial government of Batangas has called on BATELEC II to explain the years‑long delay in acting on Meralco’s proposed joint venture.
During a public hearing on February 27, led by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Batangas Committee on Transportation, Communication, and Public Utility, Chair Board Member Melvin Vidal and Vice Chair Board Member Alfredo Corona raised concerns about the frequent power outages in the BATELEC II franchise area.
This discussion was prompted by the Batangas Forum for Good Governance and Development Association, Inc., which urged the provincial government to respond to its resolution supporting the joint venture partnership between Meralco and BATELEC II.
In a letter from Batangas Forum President Nelson Terrible, the group stressed that the persistent outages have resulted in significant economic losses for businesses and have severely affected the daily lives of Batangueños. They called on the provincial government to compel BATELEC II’s management to fully disclose the true state of its operations and its concrete plans to improve service reliability and ensure stable electricity for consumers.
At the hearing, Batangas Forum member Rey Corona said, “Nagka‑interes ang Batangas Forum na isulong ito- kumbaga suportahan ito- para mapaganda, maayos, at mas predictable ang pagnenegosyo na involved ang supply ng kuryente.”
It was also revealed during the discussion that Meralco had submitted its joint venture proposal three years ago.
Meralco Senior Vice President and former Bases Conversion Development Authority President Atty. Arnel Casanova, who is also a resident of Batangas, explained the contents of the proposal and clarified that the joint venture is not a takeover. Rather, it is designed to strengthen BATELEC II’s operations, with Meralco planning to invest billions to upgrade facilities and infrastructure- improvements that would ultimately benefit member‑consumer‑owners through more reliable service.
He added that the partnership aligns with the reality on the ground. Meralco is already operating in three Batangas cities, namely Sto. Tomas, Batangas City and San Pascual. “Ang tatlong ito ang pinakamaunlad na local government units sa Batangas. Nandoon ang mga ecozones at industriya, at ang energy sales nito ay mas mataas pa kaysa sa BATELEC I and II combined,” Casanova noted.
“We want to replicate that success across the entire province of Batangas. Napapanahon na para maging isa ang Batangas sa pinakamaunlad na probinsya sa bansa.”
When asked for updates on the joint venture proposal, BATELEC II representative Engr. Mary Ann Dimaano said that a technical working group is currently drafting the terms of reference. She also disclosed that BATELEC II has received proposals from three companies. “We have received proposals from Meralco, Aboitiz and Prime. Hindi simpleng desisyon ang gagawin kung papasok sa ino-offer ng private entities. We are hearing the voice of member consumer owners. The management is very open kaya pinagbigyan na pag-aralan ang kanilang proposals,” she said.
Atty. Casanova reiterated that Meralco welcomes whatever process BATELEC II may choose, including a competitive bidding. “We are advocates of transparency,” he emphasized.
Vice Governor Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas then pressed BATELEC II on its long-term plans, particularly in light of its new franchise application, with the current franchise set to expire in 2030. BATELEC II would secure its franchise directly through Congress and would no longer operate under the supervision of the National Electrification Administration (NEA). In response, BATELEC II’s Domingo said that the necessary documents are being prepared and that they remain hopeful for a favorable outcome.
Mandanas raises the question, “They can do it now because of the assistance of NEA and government, but once it expires, that has to be evaluated. The franchise will now be under Congress. On your own, you can get a franchise, but on your own, can you deliver the same level of service that other franchisees could deliver?”
He emphasized that although BATELEC II is the largest electric cooperative in the country, there is always room for improvement in service efficiency. He added, “It’s good that there are interested parties, but the way I look at it, the others might not have the infrastructure immediately available like Meralco, at least in the province of Batangas. In terms of infra, you have the best infra among the bidders.”
In a separate interview, Batangas 4th district Board Member Melvin Vidal echoed the call for improved service. “Ang nangyaring hearing kanina ay magiging susi para mapa-improve ang serbisyo ng kuryente sa hanay ng BATELEC II. At kung ito naman ay magkakaroon ng JV with Meralco, lalo pang magiging maayos at maihahanda ang ating lalawigan sa pagiging ‘Industrial Batangas,’ at makaka‑invite at makaka‑cater tayo ng mas maraming negosyo.”
Vidal closed by underscoring the purpose behind the initiative of the provincial government, “At the end of the day, ang mahalaga dito ay ang panalo ay ang mamamayang Batangueño.”