To avoid "redundancy," Speaker Prosero Nograles today welcomed the proposal of Senator Miriam Santiago for the two legislative departments to conduct a joint investigation on the alleged overcharging of Manila Electric Company (Meralco).

"It is most practical for Congress, their resource persons, and the consuming public…. A joint hearing will help Congress refine our laws governing energy exploration, generation, distribution, and related issues," Nograles said.

Presidential son, House energy committee chair Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo, earlier expressed intent to probe Meralco. Santiago is the chair of the Senate energy committee.

Meralco is getting flak for the increasing power rates. But the company argued that it has the lowest distribution cost. Increase in power rates are caused by high price of Napocor, it claimed.

"These are issues that have direct impact on our people." Nograles believes that joint investigations will hasten the passage of related bills into law. He said that the same should be done on other issues of "mutual interest" to the Senate and the House such as food, fuel, and energy. It will save time and money for both chambers and their prospective resource persons, he said.

Bills amending the Electric Power Industry Reform Act are pending in Congress. (abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak)

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