Sen. Pimentel backs EO 81

By Robert E. Roperos

Saturday 4th of August 2012

BUTUAN CITY, Aug 4 (PIA) -- Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel today said he is backing up President Aquino when the latter signed Executive Order (EO) No. 81, creating the Mindanao Power Monitoring Committee (MPMC).

In an interview with the local press prior to his speaking engagement during the 21st Mindanao Business Conference here, Pimentel said he is happy that Malacanang has focused on solving issues and concerns of the power situation not only here in Mindanao but as well as in the entire country.

He said power situation now does not only affect Mindanao, since Luzon has already started to feel what the residents in the region have experienced during the past years.

Pimentel added these concerns may lead to a national problem if this will not be properly taken care of.

“What the government has been doing is just a right time for this can help solve issues and concerns regarding to the power situation not only in Mindanao but also in Luzon,” he said.

However, he is against privatization of the Agus-Pulangi hydropower plants, saying that these are the only few state-owned properties that are still existing here in Mindanao, and that Mindanaoans should benefit the services of these plants in the economic development of the island.

Pimentel further said he believes that whether the plants will be privatized or not, the price of electricity will remain high. “So, what’s the use of privatizing the plants if it will generate same result,” he said.

EO 81 underscored the need for a coordinating body that will monitor, harmonize and integrate recommendations on addressing the issues and carrying out specific initiatives for the Mindanao power industry sector.

The MPMC is tasked to spearhead and coordinate the efforts of the national, regional and local governments, and power industry stakeholders to improve the power situation in Mindanao.

The committee is headed by the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA), with the members such as the Department of Energy, Energy Regulatory Commission, National Electrification Administration, National Power Corporation; and Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation.

The order also enjoined representatives of the Mindanao Electric Power Alliance (MEPA) and Association of Mindanao Rural Electric Cooperatives (AMRECO) to become members of the committee.

MPMC shall develop a database containing vital information regarding the power sector in Mindanao and other matters that may affect it. It shall also assess the current situation of the power sector in Mindanao and evaluate the viability of the Mindanao Power Summit recommendations, and regularly submit reports and recommendations to the President. Likewise, the committee shall perform such other duties and functions as may be necessary to implement the Executive Order.

The initial funding requirement for the first year of operations of the MPMC shall be determined jointly by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and MinDA, and sourced from the Contingent Fund and such other sources as may be identified by DBM. Thereafter, the amount needed for the operation of the MPMC shall be incorporated in the regular budget of MinDA. (RER – PIA-Caraga)