New DOE head won’t dump rural power program of Tiaoqui

Newly-appointed Energy Secretary Jose Isidro "Lito" Camacho will push for the continuation of the P14-billion electrification program of the previous administration.

Camacho, who will officially take over the Department of Energy today, said he will continue this program until 2004.

"The electrification program of the previous DOE secretary (Mario V. Tiaoqui) is a nice program. It will allow the rest of the country by 2004 to have electricity. Its objective to energize at least 99.9 percent of the country is good," he said.

Camacho said this program will allow them to truly perform the function of the energy department. "I think being able to maintain a stable, reliable and affordable supply of energy whether it is oil or electricity side, will be one of our main priorities," he said.

The 45-year old executive said the first thing that came in his mind when he accepted the DOE post is that he should maintain a brownout-free country.

"I’m always reminded that there should be no brownouts during my term," he said, noting that he would not be able to accomplish this goal without the help of the private sector.

Camacho also pointed out that while he ensures stability in all aspect of the power industry, the market players should also be protected. "We should stabilize, and at the same time, recognize free market forces in different parts of the industry," he said.

Another priority of his administration, Camacho said, will be the implementation of the Power Sector Restructuring Bill if it will be passed by Congress.

"One of the first priorities, assuming the power bill is passed, will be the implementation of all its aspects," he said.

The new DOE secretary said the main focus would be the privatization of state-owned National Power Corp. (Napocor), the country’s largest power generation company. His expertise as an investment banker is expected to come in handy when he oversees the disposal of the Napocor assets.

He said he should see to it that all the programs of President Macapagal-Arroyo in the power sector are implemented. "The President is committed to passing the bill. Of course, it is in the hands of Congress to pass the law. But, the administration will support it. We want to make sure, though, that the provisions of the law recognize the concern of all sectors."

He said President Arroyo is sensitive to the concern of civil society that is why they would encourage Congress to adopt a version that would protect the welfare of the public.

Asked what made him decide to accept the post, he said he believes that coming from the private sector, he would be able to introduce and implement certain good practices in the government.

"Perhaps in a small way, I can influence and apply some good conduct of business from private sector to the government," he said.

He admitted that this will not be an easy task for him coming from the private sector. He said he has to sacrifice a lot for this. "I am very much a family man. It will, of course, not only be a financial sacrifice but also time sacrifice. I will be losing a lot of time especially weekends to be with my family," he said.

He also expects to be exposed to controversies. "I know it would be inevitable to face some controversial issues. We can’t please everybody. What I am afraid of is that my family will suffer more if these controversies will come my way," he said.

A graduate of De La Salle University in 1975, Camacho earned a master’s degree in Business Administration with concentration on Finance at Harvard University.

From April 2000 to the time he was selected for the DOE post, Camacho worked as managing director and chief country officer responsible for managing the bank’s entire business in the country at Deutsche Bank AG Manila branch. – Donnabelle Gatdula