NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Senators Unite In Call For Probe On Panay Blackout
NGCP File Photo
In the wake of the recent debilitating blackout in Panay, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa has rallied stakeholders from the energy sector to join forces with the Senate Energy Committee's investigation.
The blackout, which left thousands of Ilonggos grappling with disruptions to their livelihoods and daily routines, prompted Dela Rosa to stress the crucial need for full cooperation during a Senate hearing on Tuesday.
Dela Rosa, a key proponent of the investigation, filed Senate Resolution 901 to address the blackout's aftermath and prevent similar occurrences. The resolution emphasizes the necessity of evaluating existing laws, rules, and regulations governing the Department of Energy and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.
The economic toll of the blackout was underscored during the hearing, with Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas reporting a staggering P2 billion in losses, while Governor Arthur Defensor cited economic setbacks in the province amounting to P3.8 billion.
In tandem with Dela Rosa's efforts, Senator Win Gatchalian filed Senate Resolution 891, echoing the call for a thorough inquiry into the Western Visayas power outage. Gatchalian's resolution delves into a comprehensive review of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) and related laws, including the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines' franchise, to fortify the nation's power infrastructure against future disruptions.
Gatchalian emphasizes the importance of assessing whether the NGCP's systems operation function should be separated to enhance its focus on the transmission network provider function, considering the wide-ranging impacts of any failure in the national grid on the economy, public safety, and national security.
The prolonged blackout forced the suspension of classes in over 733 public schools and higher education institutions, further aggravating the socio-economic repercussions. The Department of Energy's assertion that the blackout was preventable adds urgency to the investigation, emphasizing a 2-hour window when proactive measures could have averted a sub-system-wide collapse.
Senator Francis "Tol" Tolentino, another advocate for the inquiry, insists on the NGCP's transparency and accountability. Tolentino pointedly highlighted the alleged violation of NGCP's franchise law and called for increased efforts in addressing the issues within their operations.
The blackout, which left thousands of Ilonggos grappling with disruptions to their livelihoods and daily routines, prompted Dela Rosa to stress the crucial need for full cooperation during a Senate hearing on Tuesday.
Dela Rosa, a key proponent of the investigation, filed Senate Resolution 901 to address the blackout's aftermath and prevent similar occurrences. The resolution emphasizes the necessity of evaluating existing laws, rules, and regulations governing the Department of Energy and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines.
The economic toll of the blackout was underscored during the hearing, with Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas reporting a staggering P2 billion in losses, while Governor Arthur Defensor cited economic setbacks in the province amounting to P3.8 billion.
In tandem with Dela Rosa's efforts, Senator Win Gatchalian filed Senate Resolution 891, echoing the call for a thorough inquiry into the Western Visayas power outage. Gatchalian's resolution delves into a comprehensive review of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) and related laws, including the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines' franchise, to fortify the nation's power infrastructure against future disruptions.
Gatchalian emphasizes the importance of assessing whether the NGCP's systems operation function should be separated to enhance its focus on the transmission network provider function, considering the wide-ranging impacts of any failure in the national grid on the economy, public safety, and national security.
The prolonged blackout forced the suspension of classes in over 733 public schools and higher education institutions, further aggravating the socio-economic repercussions. The Department of Energy's assertion that the blackout was preventable adds urgency to the investigation, emphasizing a 2-hour window when proactive measures could have averted a sub-system-wide collapse.
Senator Francis "Tol" Tolentino, another advocate for the inquiry, insists on the NGCP's transparency and accountability. Tolentino pointedly highlighted the alleged violation of NGCP's franchise law and called for increased efforts in addressing the issues within their operations.
Jan 11, 2024
