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By Rhaydz B. Barcia, Correspondent
Virac, Catanduanes: Thousands from various
municipalities of Catanduanes came to the hearing of the Energy
Regulatory Commission (ERC) to show their support for the
controversial mini hydro power plant project, which was blocked by
Gov. Joseph Cua.
Energy Commissioner Rodolfo Albano Jr., chairman
of ERC, expressed astonishment after seeing close to 3,000 people
coming together with streamers and placards expressing their strong
support for the proposed P729-million hydro power plant project.
Filipino-Chinese businessman Elizaldy
“Zaldy” Co, president of Sunwest Water and Power Co. Inc. (Suweco)
based in Legazpi City, initiated the project.
Former Sen. Francisco Tatad said Cua is out to
protect his own diesel business, which is the reason for his
opposition to the said project.
The security guards of First Catanduanes
Electric Cooperative (Ficelco) prohibited the people with streamers
and placards to enter the compound unless they removed the
propaganda materials.
Albano noted it was the first time that
thousands came to attend the commission’s hearing pertaining to
the hydro power plant project.
“This is the first time in the country’s
history that the commission conducted the ERC hearing where
thousands of people are eager to know the outcome of the hearing.
Even Senator Tatad and Bishop Manolo de los Santos are here. It
would seem that the contract is in favor of the consumers,” Albano
said.
Tatad attended the first day of hearing on June
5 along with the people of Catanduanes while de los Santos attended
the June 6 hearing despite of the scorching within the Ficelco
compound.
Albano came to preside over the two-day
pre-trial conference and evidentiary hearing for ERC Case No.
2008-021 in the matter of application for approval of the
Electricity Supply Agreement (ESA) between Ficelco and Suweco.
Cua contested the proposal before the ERC on May
26, 2008, following the authority given by the provincial board led
by Vice Gov. Alfredo Aquino on May 7. He cited in his opposition
submitted before the ERC that the applicant failed to submit the
documents prescribed by law; there is no competitive selection
process or bidding undertaken by Ficelco in the selection of Suweco
as power producer; the agreement entered into between Ficelco and
the firm did not conduct feasibility study to justify the
assumptions made in the ESA; the selling price of electricity
offered by the firm is grossly overpriced and is against the basis
established by law; thus, Suweco has no technical and financial
capability to undertake the project.
Cua also said Ficelco has an existing ESA with
several power providers which to date still remains to be in effect.
Co told The Manila Times that as a Bicolano
businessman, he was pioneering a clean renewable-energy project in
the region to prepare for the increasing demand for power that would
result to gradual power shortages starting in 2011.
“If he allows our project, the government will
save P200 million a year aside from providing clean energy,
employment and income to the province and host municipalities aside
from it will surely attract new investors,” Co continued.
Tatad also assailed Cua, who according to him
was hell-bent in opposing the renewable-energy project because it
will affect his business of selling and distributing bunker fuel.
“He should do something to initiate and
encourage prospective investors to come here and put up their
business. Unfortunately, he controls everything,” Tatad said,
adding that “As a businessman selling bunker-fuel, his position is
in conflict with his being governor. He should distinguish business
interest and politics,” Tatad told The Manila Times.
In an interview, Cua denied the accusations of
Tatad and company. He clarified that he was just questioning the ESA
entered into between the two companies because there was no
competitive bidding being done; thus, he wanted to protect the
people of Catanduanes.
When asked for his comment regarding the
accusation lodged against him by Tatad, Cua admitted to owning three
gasoline stations, and the National Power Corp. (Napocor) is using
his tank as storage of bunker-fed fuel.
“Napocor is using my tank as storage of bunker
fuel but I am opposing the project because of lapses made within the
ESA entered into by Suweco and Ficelco. But even though I am
opposing it, I could not do anything if the ERC approves it,” Co
told The Manila Times.
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