By ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
TODAY is the beginning of the six-day, three-week plebiscite for the much-talked-slash-controversial joint venture agreement (JVA) between Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco) and the Enrique Razon-led Primelectric / Negros Electric and Power Corporation (NPEC).
But only Ceneco consumers of “good standing” – no record of power pilferage and pulled-out electric meter – will be allowed to cast their votes.
For those who are qualified but can’t make it, proxies are allowed provided, however, that the stand-in must be armed with a notarized SPA (Special Power of Attorney).
Voting will be today and tomorrow, and on July 1, 2, 8, and 9.
A total of 50 percent plus one of the “good standing” consumers is the required winning number for the JVA, per the National Electrification Administration (NEA).
“Tension” and “excitement” are expected to envelop Bacolod and other places in Negros Occidental where voting will be held.
BE MBCCI
Amid debates re: JVA, here it is, the consequential endorsement!
Why consequential?
Because it has no political flavor.
Rather, it came from the “mighty biz ring” in Bacolod and NegOcc. – the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI).
For Bobby Montelibano, who used to be one of the top honchos of Ceneco and now heads the MBCCI, their JVA endorsement was thoroughly studied. And the gist of their crucial decision is simply for business and progress – nothing less! They have faith in Razon’s company to deliver “the best” beyond expectations.
However, Montelibano stressed MBCCI will be vigilant to monitor the “promises” of Primelectric /NEPC.
MBCCI is known for its formidable track record. It can’t be cowed by anyone, even by politicians. Their JVA endorsement is “weighty and respectable”.
BE LIKE MOTHER TERESA
Sadly, however, the current “word war” re: JVA is getting personal. Employment of invectives is notable. Hope it will not progress to physical harm.
Intelligent debates are good. “Below the belt” or personal insults aren’t recommended
Yes, JVA is a “hot topic” in Bacolod and NegOcc. But it doesn’t mean “personal feelings and sentiments” may overrule the process. It’s kinda dangerous.
Perhaps, Ceneco consumers need to reflect on the wisdom of the late Mother Teresa of the Missionaries of Charity. She said: “I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”
So simple, but the essence is superb, right? It’s applicable to the disputed JVA.
Let’s be candid. There are lots of things that Ceneco can’t do anymore, but can be done by Primelectric/NPEC (if given the chance). Potent examples are system loss and brownouts. If it’s uphill for Ceneco to upgrade or boost its lines and facilities due to fund lack, Primelectric/NEPC is capable and “ever ready”.
If the pro and anti-JVA will subscribe to the wisdom of Mother Teresa, Ceneco will definitely rise from the rubble of “public mistrust”.
BE TONY TAN CAKTIONG
One classic example is Tony Tan Caktiong of the famous Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC).
Jollibee is one of the most stable fast food chains in the country. Yet Tan Caktiong, sans pretensions, braved to enter into a JVA with Japan’s biggest fast food chain Yoshinoya in the middle of 2021. Theirs was 50-50 joint venture.
And take note what Tan Caktiong had said, “Jollibee will benefit from Yoshinoya!”
See!?
Ceneco, therefore, could also be like Jollibee with Primelectric/NEPC as the Yoshinoya.
BE GORDON GRAHAM
The major decision lies on Ceneco consumers. They need to balance the pros and cons. Their votes will matter on what they really desire for – sustainable yet affordable power supply.
So, they simply need to be like Gordon Graham, a police professional in California, USA, who said: “Decision is a sharp knife that cuts clean and straight.”
Allowing Primelectric/NEPC to redeem Ceneco from its current “world full of uncertainties” is, perchance, the “greatest contribution” of Ceneco consumers to the next wave of Negros history.
Why?
Electricity is vital. It’s the “soul” of today’s world of connectivity. “Without electricity,” Korean-American artist Nam June Paik stressed, “there can be no art.” If life is “artless” then it’s “meaningless”./PN
