Letter to the Editor

THIS is regarding the news item "Beckel folk slams NGCP for electric posts" published in the Sun.Star Baguio on September 22, 2012.

The article stated in part that:

1. "Among complaints of residents is the unfair treatment of NGCP to residents as some are given free electricity and water for the set up to electric posts within their property while allegedly, others are not given this privilege."

2. "NGCP has been using landowners property since the 70s but there has been neither compensation nor formal talks with the community."

We would like to clarify that:

1. Free water is available to all residents of nearby communities. NGCP does not give special treatment or privileges to particular individuals or groups. A faucet installed outside the Beckel Substation's main gate supplies free water service at scheduled times to anyone who needs it.

2. The payment for easement rights in the area was already settled with some of the landowners even prior to 2001 by the government-owned National Power Corporation {NPC). This payment binds the successors-in-interest of both the NPC and the landowners. (Please note, however, that not all those affected were paid or have right-of-way (ROW) grants although some of those properties traversed by the transmission line are part of "public land" at that time.)

In 2001, RA 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) of 2001 was enacted, which caused the privatization of the transmission sector operated by NPC. The National Transmission Corporation (TransCo) and NGCP are both successors-in-interest of NPC with regard to the transmission business and any land rights NPC may have acquired through its transmission operations. Any right given to NPC by virtue of the settlement with the landowners prior to 2001 naturally benefits both TransCo (as present owner of the transmission facilities) and NGCP (as TransCo's concessionaire).

The current claimants over the property are likewise naturally bound by the settlement entered into by their predecessors with NPC.

These easement rights, or the rights acquired by NPC from the landowners, are public records, which can be scrutinized by interested parties.

NGCP maintains that it strictly complies with the existing laws, rules, and regulations governing the easement of structures within the right-of-way of transmission towers and lines.

Please be assured that NGCP, while a privately owned company, continues to perform its mandate as transmission service provider with the full awareness of its responsibilities to the public. As a responsible and transparent company, NGCP is working to improve the transmission infrastructure while holding the welfare of the communities near the transmission facilities in the highest regard.

We hope this clarifies the matter. Should you need further information or clarification, you may contact Ms. Lilibeth P. Gaydowen at lpgaydowen@ngcp.ph or 09175374781.

Very truly yours,

Atty. Cythia D. Perez-Alabanza
Spokesperson/Adviser for External Affairs