By Paulo Loreto Lim

After the Iloilo City Council passed a resolution earlier this week opposing the franchise renewal for the Panay Electric Company, Inc. and calling for a national government takeover of the local power distributor, Mayor Jose Espinosa III forecasted an array of processes if things go their way.

Noting the House of Representatives is currently discussing the renewal, he said, “If the [House] decides to let the national government take over Iloilo City’s electricity service, a lot of things should be taken into consideration.”

The mayor mentioned issues including determining the supervisory agency and which specific division will be under government control.

Iloilo City Councilor R. Leone Gerochi penned the resolution, citing complaints from consumers.

Specifically, the city councilor pointed out erroneous and inconsistent meter readings; poor service; and higher electricity bills, which he says has caused “customers to suffer anxiety and sleepless nights.”

The council also pointed out the company has yet to refund P631 million, as ordered by the Energy Regulatory Commission in 2004./PLL, WDJ