Previous liabilities prevent PB from endorsing new power project

CEBU, Philippines - The National Power Corporation’s (NPC) past liabilities have prompted the Cebu Provincial Board (PB) to defer endorsement of the Toledo-Naga transmission project of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

The liabilities of NPC were disclosed during the appearance of NGCP officials before the PB session when Board Member Alex Binghay raised that he is one of the lot owners who, up to now, remain unpaid.

The issue was raised when NGCP made a presentation before the PB and made mention of compensation for landowners, tenants and tillers, and the relocation of house owners affected by transmission lines.

Other compensation includes easement fee, tower occupancy fee, fees for crops, plants and trees, and replacement cost of house or structures and disturbance compensation.   

Binghay said that he is one of the owners of the properties being passed by the Talavera, Toledo City-Tuburan transmission project of National Transmission Corporation and they were promised compensation but none came.

There is a pending case in court on their claims, said Binghay.

Vic Loria, NGCP Division Head for Project Planning and Development, said they have no unpaid claims now. He said what Binghay brought up happened during the time of Napocor.

The NGCP has asked for PB endorsement for the 138 kilo-volts Calong-Calong, Toledo-Colon, Naga Transmission Project worth P600 million.

From Naga, another transmission project worth P560 million to Banilad, Cebu City Sub-Station to supply 3 x 82 megawatts from Cebu Energy Development Corporation to Metro Cebu area including Mactan Island.

Board Member Thaddeus Jude Sybico asked NGCP to clear Binghay’s issue with whoever is the right person concerned.

Loria assured the PB he will bring it up to the NGCP management. He asked for another schedule so he could update the board members about it. — (FREEMAN)