Arroyo's Power Play in Meralco--worst than the cure

Some would probably laud Mrs. Arroyo for bringing it on with the Lopezes. In the case of Meralco, Arroyo's "crusade" against Meralco was predicated on (as her propagandists want us to believe) protecting the consumer against high costs of electricity. This time, however, it's different. Mrs. Arroyo and her gang of misfits are flirting with the media to justify a possible corporate takeover come May 27.

Some of my media colleagues, which include Manila times columnist Julius Fortuna, agrees with what Arroyo is doing right now. She's reportedly fighting what others say, is a megalith. The Lopez family has been in control of Meralco since 1986 and what Arroyo is doing is breaking the hold this aristocrat. This could be the start of a campaign to get rid of aristocrats such as the Lopezes.

Though I may laud government for doing this, I suspect this to be part of a greater, more sinister plot connected with charter change. Why?

First, the timing. It's just a month away from June, the possible month where government is expected to push real hard on charter change. Government needs millions, if not billions of lobby money just to see this thru. Question--why attack Meralco now when Arroyo has been in power for 7 years? Why now, when its just 2 years away from 2010 and just a month before chacha?

Second, the intention. Why attack Meralco now when there's a food crisis and a continuing probe on the ZTE and the Spratlys issue. Look, the public has already forgotten the Spratlys issue when its one of the most important legislation the Philippines should pass this year since the UN already gave us a deadline in 2009.

Third, the chosen mode of attack. Government wants a takeover. They're not resolving the issue of high prices through the Energy Regulatory Board (ERB). No. Government is using the issue as a justification for a takeover. Macapagal and Marcos failed to takeover Meralco during their terms. Arroyo is hopeful that she'll accomplish what his father failed to do during his time as president. Why?

Because a takeover of Meralco means billions of pesos to the Arroyos. Government propagandists say the high prices is directly a result of the "mismanagement" of the Lopezes. Maybe its true. Or maybe its not. But, will government control of Meralco solve this "management issue"? No.

Government is the worst administrator, the worst possible alternative to the Lopezes. What's government's plan for Meralco after ousting the Lopezes? Probably they'll sell the electricity distribution firm to the Chinese, as what they tried to do with our telecommunications and IT industries? Or maybe, just maybe, they'll use it as a milking cow, just like they did with RPN 9 and IBC 13?

TRUE, forcing Meralco to lower electricity charges is the most logical thing to do, given the high inflation of 8.6% and the other attendant problems being faced by the Pinoy right now.

BUT, if the solution of government is worst than the problem, then, maybe those who agreed on this plan should rethink their position and revisit history. History has shown that this administration is the most corrupt, the most greedy, the most brazen, the foremost violator of human rights and the most vindictive. If government takes hold of Meralco, they will not only have electricity but a REAL POWER TO COERCE OTHER COMPANIES to kowtow to their wishes.

Let me make myself VERY CLEAR--I am not a stooge of Meralco. In fact, I was among those who rallied last 2003 against the power firm. It's just that a government takeover of Arroyo's gang is a DANGEROUS PRECEDENT which could cost this country billions of pesos more than the 24 billion that the Lopezes reportedly earned from us since 2003.