Homeowner & Accomplice to Face Charges From Meralco for Removing Electric Meter
Meralco has filed charges against a homeowner and his alleged accomplice for illegally removing an electric meter in a subdivision in Rodriguez, Rizal.
On April 8, 2026, a homeowner and his colleague went viral after a viral video showed the forced and illegal removal of an electric meter. The video garnered various reactions from the online community.
In the video, a man can be seen forcibly removing the electric meter despite the clear objections of the person living in the house. The occupant insisted that there were no unpaid bills with Meralco, while the man continued with the act and later left carrying the meter.
An investigation by Meralco revealed that the homeowner had allegedly ordered the removal of the meter due to a dispute with the occupant, who was said to have failed to pay rent and utility costs.
Despite this, the act of removing the meter without proper authority is considered illegal. Following the incident, the power company immediately responded and restored the electricity service to the affected resident.
The incident also raised awareness about the rights of consumers and the proper handling of utility services.
According to Joe Zaldarriaga, electric meters are owned by the company and not by property owners. This means that any unauthorized removal or damage to these meters is a violation of the law.
On April 16, 2026 (Thursday), Meralco officially filed a complaint for malicious mischief before the Rizal Provincial Prosecution Office against the two individuals involved.
The company reminded the public that tampering with or removing electric meters without permission is strictly prohibited.
The social media users expressed their reactions to the incident:
