We the People should stop this charade. Months ago, they justified their exorbitant prices with two reasons: first, the global oil price hike and second, its summer, hence, there’s really a higher demand for electricity. Now, global oil prices are falling and its colder now but I see no difference in my electric bill.

Worst, Meralco has this cruel practice of demanding immediate payment of their charges. 

These Lopezes should be stopped by the government at all costs! I don’t care if Winston Garcia gets Meralco. I don’t care if another devil in the likes of Garcia does it, but somebody has to do it. 

It’s not enough that government is trying to pry open Meralco’s books. For sure, the Lopezes will just bribe government auditors sent there in their offices. 

Sumusobra na ang dambuhalang Meralco. Meralco should be cracked open, and denied their franchise. The franchise should be divided and sold to other people who’ll manage the utility firm better than the Lopezes.

That’s why Arroyo should not misled us into believing that they are not part of this plot to gain control of Meralco. Arroyo, through her mouthpiece, Presidential spokesperson Ermita, is employing double talk again. Ermita says they’re not supporting Garcia but in truth, the palace is behind these moves because it shows that they support the GSIS provided that these moves are done in a legal way.

Garcia promised a 20% reduction in electricity rates if he wins this fight. Crap. As I’ve said in previous entries, yes, Meralco will probably lower its rates that much in the interim. After a few weeks, expect the rates to return to its original price ranges. Why? Because Garcia has a mandate to other shareholders. A firm should earn revenues. Lowering the rates will affect profitability. Another thing is rising oil prices. I bet that Meralco will use this issue to justify high electricity rates.

Everywhere, in all fights, its government that loses and big businesses win.

In this fight against the Lopezes over Meralco, government claims it could win this largely because of the alleged infraction made by the Lopezes in invalidating the SEC ruling. Winston Garcia said that whether Manolo Lopez likes it or not, GSIS will move to oust him from his seat. Meralco has until Friday (May 30) to explain its side before the SEC. What would SEC do should Meralco refuses to heed the Cease and Desist order (CDO)? Will it use the police powers of the state to enforce government laws? Will it go to court, as what some quarters believe, and manipulate the justice system to favor government?

If this goes to court, the decision could prolong the agony of Meralco stockholders. Uncertainties drive markets down. A long-drawn out battle for Meralco control could affect the performance of the local bourse. Just yesterday, Meralco shares went down to 60 pesos per share from 63 pesos the day previous. Reports say stockholders were dumping their shares, exiting early while the price is still within manageable risk. Stock prices are down 20% since GSIS started its campaign to wrest control of Meralco.

GSIS should be convinced to stay its ground and allow the firm to govern itself. Government interference is always a bane to business interests. If this continues, expect a further diminution in Meralco’s stocks, making it one of the biggest losers in the local bourse.

This is the first time in Philippine history that government is increasing its predatorian tactics to the detriment of eveybody.

In all radio stations, Garcia received brickbats from radio commentators and reporters. In all websites and print-based outlets, Garcia was pictured as a pig, a corporate raider, a devil incarnate. Today, Garcia was villified and practically was fed to the dogs.

Garcia should blame his publicist for this image fiasco. He lost twice today. He lost his power because Meralco stockholders rebuffed him and he lost his dignity. He’s being pictured now as a lost young boy holding an empty bag.

Poor Winston Garcia. For all his huffing and puffing, nothing amounted to it. Puff. Bluff. Floff. Garcia should go back to Cebu and plant kamote there.

While Garcia harps his “gospel”, DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza is also making the rounds, feeling the pulse and has put one pebble in the information pool. Mendoza intends to hit telecommunications firms. He says that the DOTC will try to push telecommunications firms to erase text charges. DOTC says that’s one way to help ease the burden of consumers, already pressured by high food prices.

Though there’s nothing wrong with it, the timing is suspicious. Why the sudden change of policy, Mr. Mendoza? Before, you even told us that texts should be taxed. Now, a complete 180 degree turn.

There’s something insidious in the way government is conducting itself lately. It is trying to pressure everybody in the business community. This is bad. It sends a wrong message to the local and international investor community. It says ” Government is all business here”, instead of ” Everybody is all business here.”

Again, there’s nothing wrong with free texts. It’s just that, the timing is very suspicious. With just two years before Arroyo’s demise, her gang of misfits are running around town, trying to pressure businesses and for what? Tongpats?