Petierre: Collection should be delayed for ‘humanitarian reasons’
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The Diocese of Bacolod Social Action Center (SAC) questioned the Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Ceneco) over the ongoing collection of P232 million from its member-consumers. The amount stems from “unnominated quantities” accumulated from the Korean Electric Power Corporation-Salcon Power Corporation (Kepco-SPC).
In a press conference yesterday morning, SAC legal counsel Vicente Petierre III asked why would consumers pay for the 24-Megawatt intermediate power supply from Kepco-SPC, which covered July 2011 to February 2013, when Ceneco never used it.
He said the SAC filed a motion for reconsideration before the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) over the collection.
Petierre pointed out, while the motion remains pending, Ceneco is still collecting from consumers.
The utility co-op began applying the charges on April 2018 bills.
Ceneco claims the ERC allowed the collection, with Ceneco General Manager Sulpicio Lagarde, Jr. earlier stating the co-op would face sanctions if costs were not passed on to customers. However, according to Petierre, Ceneco based its move on an inquiry made before the ERC, in which one of the commissioners provided an opinion, but not a formal decision.
Meanwhile, SAC head, Fr. Chris Gonzales, said the diocese is “saddened” and asked why Ceneco would insist on collecting from member-consumers.
“The people are heavily burdened now with the recent hikes on fuel, taxes, and primary goods,” Gonzales said. “There is no immediate need to pay for the amount, so why are they hastily deciding on the matter?”
He called the Ceneco board, “the people’s representatives,” and said they have an obligation to explain why they are rushing to collect the amount.
Petierre said, for “humanitarian reasons,” Ceneco should have delayed the collection since there is a motion for reconsideration.
He added, even the Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod and Mayor Evelio Leonardia are questioning Ceneco’s decision.
The SAC is planning to invite Ceneco officials to discuss the matter next week./DGB, WDJ
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