Representative Rufus Rodriguez, 2nd District, Cagayan de Oro today has asked the House of Representative’ Committee on Legislative Franchise to exercise prudence in deliberating the renewal of Meralco’s legislative franchise.

This comes amid circulating stories on BDO Unibank’s denial of involvement in a certain law firm’s manifestation on its behalf, citing a complaint of the bank against Meralco that was brought up during the Committee hearing attended by Rodriguez last week.

“I am of firm belief that only substantive and verified evidence should be presented before the Committee on Legislative Franchises, or any committee for that matter, so that the honorable members of Congress would not be misled by inaccurate information and for all of us to maintain the integrity of the ongoing deliberations,” Rodriguez, also a former law dean of San Sebastian College said.

“As representatives of the Filipino people, it is our obligation to resolve issues and concerns subject to our review in a fair, sober and respectful manner,” he added.

The House Committee on Legislative Franchises recently confirmed the receipt of an official correspondence from BDO dated May 23, 2024 and received by the Committee on even date stating that it did not authorize Manjares & Manjares law firm to submit its May 20, 2024 letter and its attachments. The documents addressed to Committee Chairman Gus Tambunting asked that BDO’s complaint be considered in deciding against Meralco’s franchise renewal.