follow Derek Jorge's "Komedya o Komida"in People's Brigada News Manila
Klinpix Janitorial and Pest Control Services is hiring riders with units of college or equivalent in non-formal training,pretty account executives (college graduates), drivers, graphic artist 09916444376, 09438144995
Meralco to issue 48-hr notice prior to disconnection – SC
By J.Lo
"In denying Meralco's petition for review on certiorari, Court ruled before Meralco can disconnect electric service of consumer on grounds cited under Section 4(a) of RA 7832, there must be prior written notice to consumer to disconnect," Supreme Court (SC) has ruled power distributor Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) should issue prior notice of at least 48 hours before cutting off consumer's electricity line.
Ruling comes off its denial of petition filed by Meralco to review previous court decision that firm had violated Republic Act 7832, Anti-electricity and Electric Transmission Lines/Materials Pilferage Act of 1994, when it disconnected its customer's power line without prior notice back in 1999.
Prior notice must be given at least 48 hours before disconnection "pursuant to due process requirements," it stressed.
"Thus, act of Meralco in cutting off respondent's electricity on same day disconnection notice was given to consumer was violative of due process requirements," high court ruled.
Ruling stemmed from complaint for damages filed by Lucy Yu, who alleged that on Dec. 9, 1999, representatives of Meralco forcibly entered premises of her family-owned New Supersonic Industrial Corp. in Valenzuela City and cut off their electric supply.
Based on records of the case, Meralco representatives issued notice after inspection and immediately disconnected power line to Yu family's factory and residence.Yu filed complaint before Valenzuela City Regional Trial Court Branch 172, which ruled in her favor.
Meralco elevated case to Court of Appeals (CA), which affirmed local court's decision with specific modifications in November 2020. Under CA ruling, award of temperate damages was reduced to P50,000; award of moral damages, deleted for lack of basis and award of exemplary damages, reduced to P100,000.
In its decision, SC said Meralco is "presumed to be in bad faith" for failing to follow due notice requirement under RA 7832 during disconnection of Yu's electric service, and ruled: " Court ordered rest of CA ruling stands."
In statement, Meralco spokesman Joe Zaldarriaga said firm has not yet officially received copy of SC decision but it will "respect and abide" by it.
Meralco also gave assurance 48-hour notice before disconnecting any service is afforded to all of its customers as company policy.
No comments:
Post a Comment