Women's group Gabriela protests in front of the Meralco Business Center in Quezon City, on Friday, May 17, 2024, against the continuous rise in electricity rates in the country. The protest followed a recent committee hearing at the House of Representatives on the renewal of Meralco's franchise. The protesters insisted that Meralco be placed under government control to prevent private entities from making a profit off public utilities. PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUANWomen's group Gabriela protests in front of the Meralco Business Center in Quezon City, on Friday, May 17, 2024, against the continuous rise in electricity rates in the country. The protest followed a recent committee hearing at the House of Representatives on the renewal of Meralco's franchise. The protesters insisted that Meralco be placed under government control to prevent private entities from making a profit off public utilities. PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUANWomen's group Gabriela protests in front of the Meralco Business Center in Quezon City, on Friday, May 17, 2024, against the continuous rise in electricity rates in the country. The protest followed a recent committee hearing at the House of Representatives on the renewal of Meralco's franchise. The protesters insisted that Meralco be placed under government control to prevent private entities from making a profit off public utilities. PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUANWomen's group Gabriela protests in front of the Meralco Business Center in Quezon City, on Friday, May 17, 2024, against the continuous rise in electricity rates in the country. The protest followed a recent committee hearing at the House of Representatives on the renewal of Meralco's franchise. The protesters insisted that Meralco be placed under government control to prevent private entities from making a profit off public utilities. PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUANWomen's group Gabriela protests in front of the Meralco Business Center in Quezon City, on Friday, May 17, 2024, against the continuous rise in electricity rates in the country. The protest followed a recent committee hearing at the House of Representatives on the renewal of Meralco's franchise. The protesters insisted that Meralco be placed under government control to prevent private entities from making a profit off public utilities. PHOTO BY ISMAEL DE JUAN