Iloilo Second District Representative Michael “Mike” Gorriceta said he is “ready” to endorse to Congress the appeal of his constituents for a cheaper power rate.
Gorriceta believes that it is his moral duties as the district representative to listen to the clamor the people.
“This will take its own course kay ti ang akon may obligasyon ako sa mga pumuluyo nga pamatian ang tanan nila nga mga sentimiento. Indi ko pwede pabay-an,” he said in an interview on IMT Conversations.
The Sangguniang Bayan of Pavia earlier passed a resolution requesting Gorriceta to “explore possibilities to open the franchise to operate another power distribution utility just like MORE Power that can give a lower kilowatt rate and efficient customer service to Pavianhons.”
The resolution was introduced by SB member Dan Fajardo. It was supported by SB member Jose Maria Trimanez, chairman of the Committee on Transportation, Franchises, Communications and Information Technology.
“I therefore propose with a heightened sense of urgency, that this august body pass a Resolution requesting our honorable Congressman Mike Gorriceta to explore this matter and possibly make the appropriate representations to Congress or to MORE Power if this is at all possible,” Fajardo said in his privilege speech.
MORE Power is Iloilo City’s sole power distributor. It replaced Panay Electric Company (PECO) in 2019.
The Razon-owned power firm has the lowest electricity rate in the country with P6.4562 per kilowatt hour (kWh). Pavia under the Iloilo Electric Cooperative (ILECO I), on the other hand, has a current rate of P10.90 per kilowatt hour (kWh).
Meanwhile Gorriceta explained that once the appeal is already in Congress, everything will be scrutinized and will pass through a lengthy process. There will be a technical working group and all stakeholders will be given a chance to be heard.
“Regardless of the result, either it would be favorable or not, or kon may ara sila nakita nga technicalities, at least ginpalab-ot ko ini,” he added.
The solon is hopeful that an informed and sound decision will be reached because at the end of day, the goal is to side with the welfare of the people.
“Of course, we have also to respect kon ano ang sa layi kon ano ang karapat dapat. Indi amo na ka hapos kag kadalo, maagi pa sa malawig nga proseso,” he said.IMT
