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BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
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Friday, Agusto 4, 2017
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ILOILO City – Is Councilor Joshua Alim trying to drag local businessmen into his crusade against Panay Electric Company (PECO)?
In a letter addressed to the Iloilo Business Club (IBC), Alim asked Executive Director Ma. Lea Lara, “Is the business sector of Iloilo City likewise affected by the inefficient services of PECO? If so, what is your action, if any? I need you opinion or stand on this issue.”
According to the city councilor, “One business leader told me that some are afraid to make a stand against PECO basi hingabuton sila.”
PECO is the sole power distributor in Iloilo City. Alim’s office has been receiving consumer complaints about alleged overbilling/charging, questionable billings, arrogant PECO personnel, etc.
“Being in the business sector of our society and an electric consumer for that matter, I would like to ask for your stand or opinion relative to the aforementioned complaints,” Alim wrote IBC.
The business community should not keep silent if it has complaints against PECO, too, he stressed.
“If their group is likewise affected just like the ordinary consumers, then they have to do something to help strengthen the noble cause of the poor and other consumers,” said Alim. “Are they afraid of PECO?”
PECO is a holder of a Certificate of Public Convenience (franchise) granted by Congress to distribute electricity in Iloilo City. Its franchise will expire on 2019.
In April this year, the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) urged the House of Representatives to investigate PECO. It specifically wanted the House to take a look at the following complaints of PECO consumers:
* unreliable meter readings
* sudden rise in electric bills
* arrogant employees
* unexplained charges
“Such conditions cause discomfort and inconvenience to consumers, in violation of PECO’s franchise,” read part of the SP resolution calling for a congressional investigation.
Two party-list congressmen committed to pass a resolution calling for a congressional investigation on PECO. They were Kabayan’s Rep. Harry Roque and Bayan Muna’s Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate.
The SP has yet to receive updates from the congressmen.
According to Alim, the congressional inquiry is timely because PECO’s 25-yeear franchise is expiring and the city’s sole power distributor is expected to start lobbying in Congress for its franchise renewal next year.
“Congressmen must be aware that consumers have problems with PECO,” said Alim.
The councilor also said he already forward to the Energy Regulation Commission the complaints of 35 consumers against PECO.
The Office of the President was also sent copies, he added./PN
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