Meralco, other utility firms extend payment deadlines due to Luzon lockdown

Manila Electric Company (Meralco), the country’s sole electricity distributor, has extended the payment deadline for all bills due in March and April in light of Luzon’s “enhanced” community quarantine, which largely prohibits the public from leaving their homes.

Meralco said that all subscribers in the country, and not just those living in Luzon, will be included in the deferred payment scheme. In a statement issued last night, the company said customers who want to pay their bills during the monthlong extension are encouraged to use the company’s online portal to settle payments.

“Stay safe and healthy. Stay home,” the advisory said.

All maintenance activities, they added, will be postponed until the end of the quarantine unless absolutely necessary.

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Meanwhile, water services company Maynilad, which services Metro Manila, is similarly suspending the disconnection of overdue accounts until April 14.

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Telephone and internet company Philippine Long Distance Company (PLDT), along with its partner cellular companies Smart and Sun, said today that they too are giving customers a 30-day extension.

Smart will also provide free wifi during the quarantine in “select critical areas,” such as hospitals in Quezon City, Batangas, Bulacan, Bacolod City, South Cotabato, and other areas.

Smart’s competitor, Globe Telecom, is also offering a 30-day bill payment extension to its customers. Globe has also extended the validity of customers’ rewards points — which can be used to pay bills and purchase goods — until June 30.