ILOILO City – The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) sent a lawyer as its representative to the meeting that Mayor Jerry P. Treñas scheduled yesterday over the blackout that hit Western Visayas recently.
This did not sit well with the city mayor. The lawyer, he said, was not qualified to explain the blackout.
Treñas asked the lawyer to leave his office then cancelled the meeting.
“They do not respect me,” said Treñas.
The city mayor was expecting NGCP president Anthony Almeda, whom he invited, to show up together with officials of MORE Electric and Power Corporation (MORE Power).
“I called for a meeting with the NGCP and MORE Power to address the recent power interruption in Iloilo City. I’m disappointed by the lack of a proper explanation,” said Treñas.
He added, “As mayor committed to ensuring the welfare of our constituents, I will explore all options available, including the possibility of canceling their (NGCP) franchise, to hold accountable those responsible for the power interruption.”
Since Almeda was unable to attend the meeting in person yesterday, Treñas said he requested the NGCP president’s presence for the meeting today but this time with the Regional Development Council 6’s Infrastructure and Development Committee.
Treñas chairs the committee. He also invited officials from the Department of Energy and MORE Power.
The blackout ran for three days – from April 27 to 29. In a statement, NGCP cited system disturbance but gave no details.
Treñas said the massive power interruptions affected businesses and government offices.
In a text message sent to Panay News last night, Treñas said the NGCP president apologized for what happened yesterday.
“Through his representative he is asking for a schedule to see me on Friday. I am open to seeing him on Friday. There should be mutual respect from both of us and they should understand I represent the people of the city of Iloilo in my official capacity,” the city mayor said./PN
