CHIZ CAUTIONS AGAINST GRANTING PGMA EMERGENCY POWERS

Opposition Senator Chiz Escudero today opposed the granting of special powers to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to address the worsening power shortage especially in Mindanao as this might again result in expensive power purchase agreements (PPA).

Escudero scored Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes for the proposal saying this move is a lame excuse to cover up the fact that the government's energy officials have erred in their projection of power generation.

"Extended dry season and water shortage is not alien in this tropical country, why did DOE under the helm of Sec. Reyes allow this to swell into the problem that it is today? That is why the DOE is there, to make sure that we do not fall again into the pit we were in ten years ago."

During the late 80'and the early 90's, the country suffered severe power shortages which forced the government to go into expensive power purchase agreements.

"That situation gave rise to high power cost, the highest in Asia. PPAs proved to be grossly disadvantageous to the people and the government. We always pay a price that is more than what is right and is needed. We continue to pay for that up to now."

The senator said Reyes clearly failed in his duty to oversee and develop the power sector.

"An effective and competent government should have been by now equipped with comprehensive energy plan or road map at the very least to avoid going to the extreme which is always a burden that ordinary people suffer" Escudero said.