BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
Power Watch Negros is planning to propose a resolution directing the House Committee on Energy to conduct an inquiry on the dismal performance of Central Negros Electric Cooperative and the action taken by the National Electrification Administration on the matter.
This was disclosed by Power Watch Negros secretary general Wennie Sancho after attending the third regular meeting of the Committee on the North Luzon Growth Quadrangle, Monday at the House of Representatives in Quezon City, where House Resolution No. 367 or a “Resolution directing the House of Representatives to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on the dismal performance of the Isabela Electric Cooperative (lSELCO 1) and lSELCO 2 and the action taken by NEA, were discussed.
Sancho said the resolution was introduced by Isabela, 6th District Rep. Faustino Dy.
Also taken up during the meeting was Resolution No. 333 titled “A resolution directing the House Committee on Energy to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation, on the situation of the power supply in the Province of Isabela serviced by ISELCO 1 and 2” that was also introduced by Dy, he said.
Sancho said he met with several groups of consumer advocates in the electric cooperatives from Isabela and they consolidated evidence of irregularities, anomalies and overcontracting of power supply by most electric cooperatives (ECs).
Power Watch Negros submitted documents to the office of Dy and Rep. Angelo Marcos Barba to collaborate that corruption in the distribution utilities (DUs) is prevailing, Sancho said.
Solidarity of all consumers is needed to come up with an inquiry, he said.
Power Watch is also planning to request an inquiry into the situation of power supply in the Province of Negros Occidental, Sancho added.
Ceneco president Jojit Yap welcomes the move of Power Watch, saying that Congress and the Senate have already conducted several hearings on the issue.*
