• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Power Watch Negros is urging member consumers of Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO) to go out and vote during the plebiscite for the ratification of the Joint Venture Agreement between the electric cooperative and Primelectric Holdings Incorporated, scheduled on August 19, 20, 26, 27, as well as September 2 and 3.
Wennie Sancho, secretary general of Power Watch Negros, said the goal of the plebiscite is to broaden the base of consumers’ participation in the democratic process, and to afford ample opportunities for the CENECO consumers to express their views on important matters such as the JVA, affecting their rights and welfare.
Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez earlier said that the city government has put up “proxy booths” to accommodate those CENECO member consumers that have no time to go at their designated precincts during the resumption of plebiscite on the JVA with Primelectric Holdings Inc.
CENECO allows a proxy to vote in the plebiscite, in the absence of the member consumer in the polling centers under CENECO coverage areas.
The JVA plebiscite booths are located at SM City Mall, Ayala Mall, Robinson Mall, City Mall, Gaisano Mall, 888 Mall, Bacolod Old City Hall, Bacolod City Government Center, barangay halls of Taculing, Estefania and Tangub.
Sancho said the right to vote is both privilege and a duty which every consumer must perform so that the majority on the issue of the JVA will be expressed, irregardless (sic) of whether they vote yes or no.
He explained that plebiscite is required to secure the approval of the people affected by the issue of JVA.
“This power of ratification upholds the principle that ‘sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.’ We are the authors of our economic future,” Sancho stressed.*
