ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas has expressed dismay over the continued claim of Panay Electric Co. (PECO) of being this city’s power distributor still.
In a notice addressed to Iloilo City consumers, Treñas refuted PECO’s claim to put the Ilonggos’ confusion to rest.
The city’s chief executive himself
affirmed that MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power) is the bona fide and
legitimate power distribution utility in this southern city.
“I am addressing the good people of Iloilo City to once and for all put an end
to the repetitive issues that have beset the city for several weeks: MORE
Power is the bona fide and legitimate distribution utility in Iloilo City…,”
Treñas declared unequivocally.
He added that MORE Power has been issued the authority to operate – Certificate
of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC)
and has an existing legislative franchise from Congress.
PECO’s franchise, on the other hand, had expired, its application for renewal
of franchise was denied by Congress, and its provisional CPCN was revoked by
the ERC, Treñas said.
Thus, he stressed, PECO operating the distribution system will be tantamount to
committing an illegal act.
The city mayor also emphasized that access to electricity and related services
is a basic human right. He added that is a critical component to the safety,
prosperity and well-being of every individual.
“Thus, I am dismayed by the continued paid advertisements and press releases of PECO claiming that it is still the power distributor in Iloilo City and that MORE Power has no Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, which have caused confusion and uncertainty to the minds of the Iloilo City consumers,” Treñas stated in the notice.
“Should PECO be dissatisfied with the latest ruling of the ERC, it is entitled to seek the reliefs afforded to it by law as it is well within its right to do so. However, I enjoin the parties concerned to let the issues be ventilated before the proper tribunals and to spare the public from further media skirmishes,” Treñas said./PN
That should put to rest the issue as to whether which between more & peco the people must follow & believe has the authority & management of power distribution in the city of iloilo.