By Leilanie Adriano/PNA
LAOAG CITY — Employees of the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (INEC) wore black on Valentine’s Day over the alleged unfair treatment of electric cooperatives (ECs).
Joining other electric cooperatives nationwide, Noel Andres, INEC information officer, said the event is meant to oppose the alleged discriminatory treatment of the Department of Energy (DoE) towards ECs.
Last January 11, Secretary Alfonso Cusi recommended to the House of Representatives through Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for the cancellation of the franchise of 17 ailing electric cooperatives under Section 46 of Republic Act 9136 or the Act Ordaining Reforms in the Electric Power Industry.
The DOE reasoned out there was a need to further assess the present status and under-performance of these ECs.
On Feb. 1, however, DOE Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella said the recommendation to Congress had already been withdrawn.
“The DOE sees the need to further evaluate and assess the present status and performance of the 17 electric cooperatives,” he said.
But Andres claims there was no prior consultation with any of the ECs to defend their side.
“This proposition will eventually lead to a precedence of revocation of other electric cooperatives and be evaded by private businessmen,” he said.
The 17 electric cooperatives include Abra Electric Cooperative, Pampanga III Electric Cooperative, Occidental Mindoro Electric Cooperative, Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative, Palawan Electric Cooperative, Camarines Sur III Electric Cooperative, Albay Electric Cooperative, Masbate Electric Cooperative, First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Ticao Island Electric Cooperative, Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative, Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative, Basilan Electric Cooperative, Sulu Electric Cooperative, Tawi-Tawi Electric Cooperative, Maguindanao Electric Cooperative, and Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative.
