Bohol LGU “entitled” to power, water bills’ discounts

TAGBILARAN CITY , Philippines — The Bohol Provincial Board approved a resolution requesting the electric and water utility companies to give discounts on the usage bills of the provincial government, as well as exemption from penalties in case of any delinquency.

PB Member Tomas Abapo Jr., who proposed the resolution, said the provincial government should be entitled to such discounts considering that it has a 30-percent share in each of the Bohol Light Company Incorporated and the Bohol Water Utilities Inc.

“Being a part owner, the province should enjoy incentives such as discounts in water and light bills, said Abapo, chair of the PB committee on good governance, justice and human rights.

Abapo said Capitol representatives to the boards of BLCI and BWUI are now authorized to negotiate for these requests, after the provincial government was reported to receive more than P38 million in dividends from its share in a joint venture with Salcon Power Corporation in operating the BLCI.

The PB had scheduled another meeting with the Capitol representatives at the BWUI board because lawyer Antonio Amora failed to attend the previous meeting the committee of the whole.

The income that the provincial government earned from the joint venture has been an additional source of funds to pay for the electric bills placed at an average of P15 million. It paid P17 million for electricity last year. (FREEMAN)