My Simple Joys In Life

Good day people!

Before I proceed with this post, let me remind everyone that this is my personal experience. If your experience is much different than mine, or if you really had a hassle-free experience with your chosen accredited Meralco contractor (AMC), well and good. But that's not what I experienced. If you are interested to know why, read on.

I was able to buy a small lot and eventually decided to build a small house for my family. Of course, it follows that we will need electricity and water. My application with Manila Water was rejected because they said that my document was invalid. Anyway, that's another story.

April 7, 2017 - I went to Meralco Business Center in Tuktukan, Taguig. That day, I was really decided to do the processing on my own. However, as soon as I entered the Meralco office, the guard pointed me to the AMC who immediately approached me and offered their services. Let's call her L1 (Lady 1 or Liar 1, whichever fits her best). L1 gave me a small paper containing the list of required documents that I need to submit (pic to follow). On the same day, I submitted deed of sale, barangay clearance, meralco bill of my neighbor & 2 valid IDs. She also told me that tax declaration is being required however, since I do not have the said document, she said they will just get a copy from Taguig City Hall. While we were talking, one person entered the room, let's call her L2 and she introduced her to me. She said, "She is our site inspector". So we talked and talked and talked and I ended up filling out an application form in trust that they will fulfill what they have promised.

April 8, 2017 - L2 conducted a site inspection and I gave her P5,000.00 as partial payment for their services.

April 24, 2017 - I texted L1 to follow-up but no reply. It turned out that they forwarded my application to Meralco on this day.

April 27, 2017 - Mr. Ricky Cruz from Meralco conducted site inspection.

May 4, 2017 - installation of service entrance.

May 10, 2017 - L1 & L2 met up with my husband to get the remaining P5,000 as full payment for their services. L2 said there is no need for the Grant of Right of Way Form since the owner of the property agreed to our request.

May 16, 2017 - I texted L2 to follow-up and she said she's just waiting for the Certificate of Final Electrical Inspection (CFEI) to be released by Taguig City Hall.

May 19, 2017 - I followed-up again thru text and L2 replied that I really need to submit a copy of the tax declaration because Meralco really needs this document.

May 20, 2017 - L1 & L2 met up with my husband again. The need for tax declaration and right of way form was never mentioned and L2 said that my documents are complete and she will just follow-up with Meralco.

May 23, 2017 - texted L1 for follow-up but no reply.

May 24, 2017 - texted L1 again this time she replied that L2 is at the City Hall for the CEI and that she will update me again in the afternoon. (as usual, no update was given)

May 25, 2017 - L1 informed me that the CEI was already paid and will just wait for the release. (The receipt showed that CEI was paid May 23 only. Why late payment? I don't know either)

See the date and time?

May 29, 2017 - I texted L2 twice and she replied, "Madam, ikakabit na yan ng Miyerkules (Ma'am, you will be energized on Wednesday)". That was supposed to be May 31.

May 31, 2017 - No Show. Texted L1 but no reply. Texted L2 4x but no reply.

June 1, 2017 - L2 informed me that she is getting the tax declaration from the City Hall and she will give me an update soon.

June 2 - 5, 2017 - No Update

June 6, 2017 - texted L2 3x but no reply. Texted L1 and she said they will meet up with me to have the right of way form signed by the owner of the property. It happened and they told me that they will give feedback tomorrow afternoon.

June 7, 2017 - No feedback

June 8, 2017 - I texted L1 to ask if the right of way form was accepted by Meralco and she said yes. I then asked her our schedule to be energized. No reply.

June 13, 2017 - I texted L1 to inform her that I'm going to Laguna and that I would like to meet with her in their main office to discuss about the problems of my submitted documents (of course, it was just a bluff). L2 immediately called me and asked me to come to Meralco office to talk to them because Meralco doesn't want to accept my documents without the tax declaration. (This was bullshit because on their June 6 info, they only need the right of way form). I texted L1 again to get my application number because I was advised to call 16211, no reply. And so I called 16211 and asked if they are requiring tax declaration even if I already have the CFEI and yellow card, and the person who answered my call said No Need.

June 14, 2017 - I texted L1 & L2 to inform them that I am going to Meralco today. L2 called me and informed me that my documents have been accepted and encoded and it only needs the approval of the Meralco representative.

These are the documents from Meralco which I borrowed when I inquired about my application.

Application date was April 24 when in fact I applied April 7

Notes on the yellow card. Nothing is written about tax declaration

Approval from Meralco.

June 15, 2017 - L2 called me saying that she already has the contract with Meralco and that we will be energized tomorrow, June 16 (thank God!).

June 16, 2017 - I texted L2 to inform her that we are just waiting for her call. I had to take a leave from the office because hubby doesn't want to talk to them anymore. I will update this whether we are energized today or not.

Now, do you see the pattern? That everytime I make a follow-up, L2 would call me immediately and tell me reasons that I think are just delaying tactics because they have no money to pay for the processing of my documents. What happened to the P10,000.00 that I paid them? We will never know. I remember, L2 even informed me that I should get a copy of the land title from the Registry of Deeds. Whaaaaaaaaaat? I only bought a small portion of the property and not the whole compound.

I'm not saying that all AMCs are the same. But the one that I hired gave me too much stress and sleepless nights. I hope it won't happen to you. My suggestion - DIY - Do It Yourself.

Annyeong!

UPDATE : The contractor called our landline early this morning informing us that the men who will do the connection is already waiting for us. WE ARE ALREADY ENERGIZED! Hoorayyyy!

UPDATE 2 : Here is our 1st Meralco bill :

I am so happy with the amount!

Mom just turned 70 years old last December 20, 2016 and we prepared a simple celebration for her. It was held at LRA Pavilion located just within the area.

I just want to share with you some photos taken during the event which I really, really like.