Based on recent developments, some Ilonggos have this bizarre hunch that Panay Electric Company (PECO) might still be able to extend its franchise for another 25 years.
Since our city officials aren’t united, it will now be easier for PECO to mount an offensive, grab the yellow jersey, and weather the storm.
The Ilonggo consumers thought they had scored a checkmate when the city council recently passed a resolution “vehemently opposing” PECO’s application for extension of its franchise that will expire a few months from now or almost a year away
It turned out “victory” wasn’t yet crystal clear—and might even slip away if miracles will not come from heaven.
The telltale signs were written on the wall when one councilor, Eduardo Penaredondo, did not vote yes.
Not only that.
Penaredondo had also boldly criticized the resolution penned by Councilor Joshua Alim hinting that it was done haphazardly.
No matter how unpopular may be his stand, Penaredondo came out flailing and swinging like a pugilist.
When a senior member of the local legislature sneezes, the entire House chokes.
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Penaredondo was vocal member of the 1993 city council that allowed PECO, then wobbling on both knees from incessant and bone-jarring protests from the consumers, led by lawyer Romeo Gerochi and the late Councilor German Gonzales, to snatch away victory from the jaws of defeat.
As if the uppercut was not enough, Mayor Jose Espinosa III, of all people, emerged in the scene singing a different tune that could stymie the city council’s musical show.
And, just in case some of us have forgotten, lone district Rep. Jerry Trenas was only waiting a few blocks away to possibly pull the plug for the crusaders and change the entire program.
Trenas, Espinosa, and Penaredondo (TEP) are three of the most senior city officials who apparently aren’t keen on severing city hall’s ties with the private electric company owned by the Cacho family.
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When they (TEP) flex their muscles in this maelstrom, all the cookies will crumble.
The Iloilo Business Club will always side with the status quo for obvious reasons.
After everything has been said and done, it will still be PECO who will have the last laugh no matter how passionate and protracted may be the fracas.
The procession will go back to the church no matter how long may be the route.
The fight against Goliath has always been catatonic for the hapless power consumers.
Since time immemorial, PECO has stood ten feet tall even after the fat lady has rendered an award-winning performance on stage.
We can always defeat Lucifer in a no-holds-barred combat, but it’s always impossible to notch a victory against PECO.
An exasperated Roman poet Juvenal once raised a protest, “Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?” or Who will guard the guards?/WDJ