Rodriguez to franchise panel: Exercise prudence
In dealing with BDO issue on Meralco franchise
REP. Rufus Rodriguez of the 2nd District of Cagayan de Oro on Tuesday asked the House of Representatives’ committee on legislative franchise to exercise prudence in deliberating the renewal of Manila Electric Company’s (Meralco) legislative franchise.
This comes amid circulating stories on BDO Unibank’s denial of involvement in a certain law firm’s manifestation on its behalf, citing a complaint of the bank against Meralco that was brought up during the committee hearing attended by Rodriguez last week.
“I am of firm belief that only substantive and verified evidence should be presented before the Committee on Legislative Franchises, or any committee for that matter, so that the honorable members of Congress would not be misled by inaccurate information and for all of us to maintain the integrity of the ongoing deliberations,” Rodriguez, also a former law dean of San Sebastian College, said.
“As representatives of the Filipino people, it is our obligation to resolve issues and concerns subject to our review in a fair, sober and respectful manner,” he added.
The House committee on legislative franchises recently confirmed the receipt of an official correspondence from BDO dated May 23, 2024, and received by the committee on even date stating that it did not authorize Manjares & Manjares law firm to submit its May 20, 2024, letter and its attachments.
The documents addressed to Committee Chairman Gus Tambunting asked that BDO’s complaint be considered in deciding against Meralco’s franchise renewal.
