ILOILO City – The City Agriculture Office’s electricity bill that reaches around P85,000 a month is “shocking to the senses,” according to Councilor Plaridel Nava.
He is demanding an investigation but the real target is Cong. Jerry Treñas.
Treñas maintains an office at the second and third floors of the City Agriculture Office’s building on Macario Peralta Street, City Proper.
“Gina-collate ko subong tanan nga documents like electricity billing from the time of former congressman and Justice secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. to the present para mabal-an kon pila ang konsumo sang City Agriculture Office,” said Nava.
The city’s congressmen since the time of Gonzalez have been holding office at the City Agriculture Office.
Nava said he would propose a resolution in the city council – dominated by Treñas’ allies – calling for an investigation.
“Testingan ta kon diin ang sympathy sang mga konsehal, kay Treñas ukon sa pumoluyo,” said Nava.
Treñas told Panay News last week his office and the City Agriculture Office “shared” the same electricity service meter but that the city government was footing the bill.
“Kwarta sang pumoluyo ang gingasto sa bayad dira. May pundo man ‘ya si Treñas sa Congress. That is something he should account and explain,” said Nava.
It was reported last week that Treñas’ office was in danger of losing electricity supply. The city government asked Panay Electric Company (PECO) to terminate Meter No. S-15313 that ensured 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.
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.”
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./PN
