Meralco relaxes policy on pole rentals

Meralco, owner of the largest number of electric poles in the country, has agreed to relax its pole rental policy and thus help in the efforts to sustain the growth of the cable television industry.

This came after consistent appeals made by the Federation of International Cable TV Associations of the Philippines (FICAP). FICAP national chairperson Estrellita "Neng" Juliano-Tamano thanked Meralco for its decision not to collect rentals for unconnected or unused poles.

FICAP’s campaign to remove objectionable provision in Meralco’s joint pole agrements with cable-TV entities whose services wires are hung to Meralco electric poles was intensified during the public hearings on the 25-year extension of the Meralco franchise to distribute electric power in January last year.

The House committee on legislative franchise headed by Bukidnon Rep. Miguel Zubiri took the FICAP position that Meralco must address the complaints of cable TV operators and other lessees of the company-owned electric poles.

Zubiri subsequently declared that the Energy Regulatory Commission be empowered to hear and decide on cases involving the joint use of Meralco poles which was included in Meralco’s franchise.

Meanwhile, FICAP representing some 800 small and medium-sized cable TV operators from Batanes to Sulu, will hold its fourth international conference fellowship at the Baguio Country Club in Baguio City on May 8-10.

Convention chairperson Cecile M. Dy announced that while the annual convention will continue to address current concerns and new cable communications technologies, the event will emphasize better business relations and camaraderie among the cable TV operators, programmers, exhibitors and suppliers.