Governor Davide: Emergency powers may solve 2015 power crisis

CEBU, Philippines - To cushion the possible effects of the expected power shortage next year, Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said it is just right to grant President Benigno Aquino III emergency powers to fast track all programs which could prevent this crisis from happening.

 “There might be a need for that. So far, sa akong pangagpas, there may be a problem sa power supply. If necessary, emergency powers (should be granted) to the President. That would come necessary (if) we can’t cope with the crisis,” Davide told reporters.

 “I am for the granting of emergency powers sa president as far as the energy crisis is concerned. Maayo makapangandam ta,” he added.

 The granting of emergency powers to Aquino was earlier suggested by Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla that the president should declare a state of emergency for summer 2015, when a shortage of power in Luzon is expected.

 He said Aquino can invoke Section 71 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act. Under this section, the President can ask the Congress for authority to establish additional power generating capacity.

 But while Luzon will experience a yellow alert starting March next year because of damaged power plants due to typhoon Glenda, Davide said Cebu, so far, has enough source of power.

 “Wala pa ta naabot (in that situation). Last meeting (with the power sector), maayo ang feedback. Hopefully di na ta maabot anang puntoha,” he said.

But Davide added that he will be meeting with the power sector again soon to discuss their recommendations in case Cebu would face a similar crisis.

 In their meeting in May, although the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) had admitted that the power supply in Cebu is not yet normal, the agency assured that there is additional power source coming from Luzon that month. The meeting was called for after Cebu had experienced a series of brownouts. (FREEMAN)