“Fairness is not an attitude. It’s a professional skill that must be developed and exercised.” –Brit Hume

If the Panay Electric Company (PECO) continues to be treated like an inmate convicted of a heinous crime released under RA 10592, an amendment to the Revised Penal Code referred to as the “Good Conduct Time Allowance Law,” Ilonggos might be emboldened to rally behind the beleaguered power firm.
PECO is a legitimate corporation manned by professionals with technical skills and managerial expertise—it is not some sorority or fraternity that can easily be disbanded. Despite being stripped of its dignity and subjected to insult and humiliation, PECO continues to hang on for dear life.
PECO wants to continue serving local residents under the principle of free competition. The firm does not demand special treatment through a sole or exclusive franchise like it used to enjoy nor does it agitate, threatening to kill or eliminate a competitor.
However, it appears, with the Court of Appeals as PECO’s next hope for a lease of life, the power firm is like a cat with nine lives.
After anti-PECO advocates sucker-punched and kneed PECO, the House Committee on Legislative Franchises joined the fray and kicked PECO while they were down. This is the type of overkill compels Ilonggos to unite. It is the type of persecution that will hurt Ilonggos who love the underdog.
Bullying PECO should be the last thing their enemies do and irresponsible statements by deputy speaker, Surigao del Sur second district Rep. Johnny Pimentel, are enough to swing sympathies in favor of the much-maligned power firm.
PECO’s franchise expired last January 18 and instead of renewing it, Congress gave PECO’s rival, the More Electric and Power Corporation (More Power), authority to distribute power through RA 11212.
It would be reasonable if Iloilo City lone district Rep. Julienne Baronda spoke against PECO as she is from Iloilo City and fully understands the issue. However, for Pimentel, he can’t speak with absolute certainty on PECO’s alleged failure or lack of success in its nearly 100 years as the sole power distributor in Iloilo City.
During a recent interview with DYFM Bombo Radyo Iloilo, the congressman stated: “PECO has not been providing good service. Electricity distribution is not the same as other businesses like a gasoline station or sari-sari store. This is more of service to the public. You have the responsibility to protect consumers’ welfare—PECO failed. What we did was to protect the interest of the people. Hindi kami ang may gusto niyan. Ang may gusto niyan ang taongbayan. Gusto nila mas magandang serbisyo ng power company.”
Listening to him is like listening to Limahong, the Chinese pirate and warlord who invaded the Philippines in 1574 and, despite having never lived in Europe, claimed: “The Glory that was Greece and the Grandeur that was Rome.” As a non-resident of Iloilo City, Pimentel’s remarks against PECO were uncalled for. Additionally, as a committee chair, his conduct was unbecoming as he is not supposed to take sides.
He should have taken neutral ground and listened to both sides.
The grandstanding Pimental should apologize not only to PECO but also to Ilonggos for insulting their intelligence.

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Alex P. Vidal, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two local dailies in Iloilo./WDJ