SC issues TRO on Meralco rate hike

The Supreme Court (SC) issued a 60-day temporary restraining order (TRO) to stop both the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) from implementing P4.15 per kilowatt-hour power rate increase. "Effective immediately and for a period of 60 days, respondent ERC, Meralco are hereby enjoined from implementing its December 9, 2013 order and acting further on the letter request of Meralco dated Dec. 5, 2013, and respondent Meralco, its agents, representatives, are hereby enjoined from increasing the rates it charges to its customers based on the matters it raised in its December 5, 2013 letter'. The TRO was issued under the authority of the Chief Justice and written recommendation of the member in charge," Supreme Court spokesman Theodore Te said in a press conference on Monday. -- ANC