ILOILO City – The office of Cong. Jerry Treñas at the second and third floors of the City Agriculture Office’s three-storey building on Macario Peralta Street, City Proper is in danger of losing electricity supply.
The city government has asked Panay Electric Company (PECO) to terminate Meter No. S-15313 that ensures the building’s electricity supply following the transfer of the City Agriculture Office and Animal Bite Center to the nearby Kerr & Co. building on Ortiz Street.
Mayor Jose Espinosa III said he ordered the transfer because Kerr & Co. building had a bigger space.
“They need a bigger space because nagadamu na ila tawo,” said Espinosa.
In a letter dated Aug. 15, Espinosa told PECO, “With the transfer of the mentioned offices, the existence of your service under Meter No. S-15313 serves no more purpose. Accordingly, immediate termination of the said service meter is sought.”
Treñas told Panay News yesterday his office and the City Agriculture Office “shared” the same electricity service meter but that the city government was footing the bill.
Espinosa denied going after Treñas, a potential rival for mayor in next year’s election, to spite the congressman.
“I have nothing to do with the office of the congressman. Ngaa maapektuhan sya? Unless naga-tap ang office of the congressman sa linya ti maapektuhan,” said Espinosa.
According to the mayor, the City Agriculture Office had one of the highest electric bills among city departments and offices amounting to P85,000 monthly.
In fact, said Espinosa, he had called the attention of City Agriculturist Romulo Pangantihon about it.
“During the time of Mayor (Mansueto) Malabor, then congressman Raul Gonzalez Sr. requested the mayor for an office. He was allowed to use a portion of the City Agriculture Office building. Since then, the city’s congressman has been holding office there,” said Treñas.
Due to this recent city government move, Treñas said, he would likely shoulder the bill of Meter No. S-15313 so his office won’t lose its electricity supply.
He declined to speculate if Espinosa’s move was a sly attempt to spite him.
“I think it is the Ilonggos who should make the judgment. I will not resort to name-calling or anything like that,” said Treñas.
Espinosa, meanwhile, said, “Ang opisina sang congressman kon may budget ka nga imo, paano ka ipton sang syudad?”/PN
