BACOLOD City Councilor Simplicia Distrito appealed to the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (Ceneco), Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa), PLDT, Globe Telecom, Smart Philippines and all other utilities in the city not to enforce any disconnection at least until December 31, 2020.

“We appeal to the conscience and compassion of Ceneco, PLDT, Smart, Globe, Baciwa and all public utility companies to understand the plights of your consumers in this time of pandemic, and not to enforce any disconnection at least until December 31 of this year,” Distrito said.

She said the law is very clear that when there is an enhanced community quarantine or modified enhanced community quarantine, there should be a grace period of at least 30 days from its lifting when it becomes due during the said period.

“Aside from that, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City also appeals to your compassion in a Resolution, not to implement any disconnection in this time of pandemic until at least this December 31,” she added.

Distrito noted even the Energy Regulatory Commission declared there would be no disconnection until December 31.

“Let us be one with our suffering consumers in this time of crisis. Electricity, water, communication and the internet are now basic needs aside from food,” Distrito said.

She said children will also be affected as they are now undergoing online classes that require electricity and connectivity.

“Let us give them the chance to recover, even just for few more months,” she added.