ON WEDNESDAY of the week before Christmas, Lapsus Calami, our neighbor on this page, made comments about our article of Dec. 18th on Panay Electric Company (PECO) and More Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) conflict, which we quote below:
DISTURBING OPINIONS ON MORE-PECO CONFLICT
This corner found “disturbing” a fellow columnist’s column yesterday where he wrote that ‘the expiry date of PECO’s franchise is getting near and the brownouts are coming’.
Was he implying that the moment the franchise of Panay Electric Company (PECO) expires on Jan. 19, 2019, it would not honor the transition provision of the new franchise awarded to MORE Electric and Power Corp.?
The provision is for eminent domain obliging the outgoing franchisee to turn over its existing infrastructure to the incoming one within two years.
In fairness to PECO, its respectable officials like Randy Pastelero and Mikel Cacho Afzelius, had repeatedly aired on radio they would not abandon the Ilonggos in complete darkness regardless of a possible change in franchisee.
This column was also wondering why newcomer MORE Power which filed its application midway this year, got the approval fast while that of PECO filed in 2017 had been “sleeping” undisturbed in the House.
The writer should have known why because, as he himself wrote, “We do not know if PECO has cultivated any political connections all these years.”
He presumed, on the other hand, that MORE Power got support of 21 influential congressmen.
Alas, the approval of a power franchise and the lobbying thereafter start with the House of Representatives. Not doing a follow-up is tantamount to presumption that PECO was confident nobody else would apply for the Iloilo City franchise.
As the saying goes, “Daig ng maagap ang masipag.”
As a columnist, when there are reactions to our article whether from colleagues or from the reading public, we are always happy to answer it, knowing that we are being read. Here is our reply:
* Our opinion that a brownout can happen when PECO’s franchise expires on Jan. 19, 2019 considers the fact that there is no agreement yet reached between the parties to date that will cede PECO’s power lines and other infrastructures to MORE Power. However, we are pleased to note of statements from PECO officials like VP Randy Pastelero promising not to switch off electricity when their franchise expires on Jan. 19.
* But operating sans franchise will expose the company to damages for accidents or losses happening during the operation that may not be covered by insurance. Who will answer for them?
* We agree, however, with Lapsus’ observation that some lobbying and follow-ups are needed in the House to secure franchise approval. PECO’s efforts in this respect were found wanting in contrast to the strong congressional support that MORE Power received for its franchise bill.
* From our viewpoint, we cannot be sure yet when and how the ongoing conflict between the two contenders for Iloilo’s franchised power will end so we cannot say that the brownouts will not happen.
* The latest statement issued by PECO on Dec. 23, 2018, confidently expressed willingness to continue serving the public. Whatever the outcome concerning the distribution franchise, PECO remains firm in its resolve to help support our city’s exemplary growth, and reiterate its commitment to put its resources at the service of Iloilo to meet the city’s ever-growing needs.
* PECO promised to persevere also in its efforts to further improve and reach the very top in the country in terms of service and reliability.
* With this position taken by PECO, it expressed its willingness to cooperate but there is no mention about surrendering its equipment and facilities to the incoming new franchisee.
* President Duterte’s speech in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, on the first week of November 2018, in this case between PECO and MORE Power, said: “Because it is providing good electricity, eh gusto mo lang mang-agaw ng negosyo, sabi ko eh ‘wag na.’”
* From the President’s speech, maybe MORE Power should not celebrate this early until President Duterte will affix his signature actually approving their franchise bill.
Since the conflict is still unresolved between the two power suppliers, a brownout cannot be avoided because PECO, without official extension of its franchise by the proper government body, can no longer legally run its power plant upon expiry of its franchise on Jan. 19, 2019.
There is this provision of “eminent domain” cited by our colleague in Lapsus that will oblige the outgoing franchisee to turn over its existing infrastructures to the incoming one within two years.
The term is new to us. Will it authorize PECO to legally continue operating its power plant even when its franchise has expired?
Anyway, that is how we look at the situation and we believe is better for our citizens to be prepared for any brownout or interruption in lloilo’s power supply which can happen because of the conflict.
May we ask if City Mayor Joe Espinosa’s “Crisis Team” is ready?
Here is another story for you to read by your kerosene lamp when the brownout happens:
HER FATHER DID NOT LIKE ME
In my younger days, I met a girl who I thought was the light of my life.
I visited her home evenings because of my long working hours in the bank where I was employed.
One evening I asked her, “What does your father have against me? I think I am bright, handsome and with a good job. And I love you very much.”
I did not know that the old man was in the next room adjoining the sala and clearly heard what I said. He came out holding a table clock and thrust it unto my face, saying: “This is why I do not like you. You always spoil my sleeping hours!”
***
HAPPY NEW YEAR! (For comment or re-actions, please e-mail to jnoveracompany@yahoo.com)/PN
