MANILA, PHILIPPINES, 18 August 2026— Following the round-the-clock work of its crews and personnel, Manuel V. Pangilinan-led Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has restored electricity service to nearly all customers that were affected by service interruptions as the enhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat) brought heavy rains and flooding in its franchise area.
“Our crews and field personnel are working overtime to address concerns and safely restore power in areas affected by the Habagat. Rest assured that we will not stop until service is restored to the last affected customer,” Meralco Vice President and Head of Corporate Communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said.
As of 9:00 a.m. today, August 18, customers affected by power outages are down to the last 2,000 from the 10,000 reported the day before, August 17, which were mostly affected by flooding. Majority of the remaining affected customers are in the provinces of Cavite and Quezon.
SPREAD THE LIGHT. One Meralco Foundation delivers aid to families in areas severely affected by theenhanced southwest monsoon (Habagat). Seen in the photo are relief operations in Balagtas, Bulacan.
Meralco is still closely monitoring the weather conditions following the state weather bureau’s pronouncements that rains are expected to persist throughout the week.
Meanwhile, Meralco–through One Meralco Foundation (OMF)–also mobilized employeevolunteers for relief efforts to help communities severely affected by the Habagat. The Foundation has so far provided assistance to over 1,400 families in the provinces of Bulacan and
Cavite.
Further, the power distributor continues to remind the public to practice electrical safety measures, particularly in areas affected by flooding and severe weather conditions. They are advised to stay away from downed power lines and electrical facilities especially those that may
have been damaged or submerged in floodwater.
Once floodwaters have subsided, customers should remove mud and dirt from service equipment or the main circuit breaker/fuse and its enclosure using rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes. Customers should not turn on flood-damaged electrical appliances and have licensed
electricians check appliances and wiring system before using them again.
To report power outages and other concerns, customers may reach Meralco through its official social media pages on Facebook (Meralco) and X (@meralco). They may also text their concerns to 0920-9716211 and 0917-5516211 or contact the Meralco Hotline at 16211.
