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Wednesday, June 01, 2005
Group sets up consumers' complaint center v. power firm
THE Freedom from Debt Coalition-Iloilo Chapter has set up a consumers' complaint desk in front of the Panay Electric Company (Peco) to assist consumers in the filing of criminal charges against the power firm.
The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) is directing Peco to reduce its rates by P2 per kilowatt-hour.
"We will pursue all legal action against Peco for as long as they refuse to implement the latest ERC order. FDC launched an all-out campaign in front of Peco office Monday to encourage all consumers to request for a re-computation of their monthly bills. If no re-computation will be done upon the request of the consumers, the consumers can pay their bills under protest," said lawyer Romeo Gerochi, chairman of FDC-Iloilo.
In its latest decision, the ERC denied with finality the second motion for reconsideration filed by Peco and ordered the distribution utility "to implement the Commission's decision dated May 19, 2004 and order dated January 19, 2005 without further delay, otherwise, appropriate sanctions shall be imposed."
FDC-Iloilo reiterated its condemnation of statement of Edmund Afzelius, Peco senior vice president for operations, threatening the "possibility of blackout in the city" if it will be constrained to reduce its rates.
According to the group, "the statement is tantamount to economic sabotage and the city officials must take action against the 'threats' issued by Peco."
"We are prompted to charge Afzelius; Neil Parcon, Peco's chief accountant; and Jose Maria Cacho, general manager for grave threat," Gerochi added.
"The statement of Edmund Afzelius reflects the arrogance of monopolistic public utility companies like Peco. This is a clear disrespect to ERC decision and to the entire consumers of Iloilo City. Not only that, it shows how oppressive Peco could be to helpless consumers," said Ted Aldwin Ong, deputy secretary-general of FDC-Iloilo.
(May 31, 2005 issue)
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