Iloilo power distributor defies court’s gag order

ILOILO, Philippines — Despite a gag order issued by the Iloilo City regional trial court (RTC), distribution utility Panay Electric Co. (PECO) held a press conference in Manila on Tuesday to denounce the takeover of its power distribution assets by rival More Electric and Power Corp.

MORE scored PECO for violating the order of Judge Emerald Requina-Contreras compelling both parties to refrain from making public statements pending resolution of the case.

MORE has filed an expropriation case against PECO.

The complainant said Estrella Elamparo, lawyer for PECO, held a press conference in Intramuros, Manila in defiance of the court’s order.

Contreras has cited Elamparo for allegedly giving malicious statements about a supposed meeting between the judge and an official of MORE.

Contreras said Elamparo’s “behavior would be dealt with by the court accordingly.”

Last week, MORE took over some of the assets of PECO after the Iloilo RTC issued a writ of possession in favor of the company.