Benhur blames Magpale for blackouts in island

CEBU, Philippines - More than 1,000 households in Hilantagaan Island off Sta. Fe, Bantayan are experiencing blackouts for three months already because the generator set provided by the Capitol is reportedly worn-out.

Fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon alleged that the Capitol, under the management of acting Gov. Agnes Magpale, has failed to replace the worn-out gasket of the power generator set.

Salimbangon has partnered with the Province of Cebu during the time of suspended Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to provide electricity in the island.The Capitol provided the posts while Salimbangon, through his pork barrel, funded the installation of wires and other complementary equipment.

“I express my extreme disappointment at the Capitol now,” Salimbangon said.

Salimbangon said that the Provincial Engineering Office has already reported the matter to Magpale but the acting governor refused to take action.

“I think Capitol should look into this problem seriously, I hope politics has nothing to do with this,” Salimbangon said.

The electricity also runs the water supply in the island apart from the convenience it brought to schoolchildren in studying their lessons during school days.

Another project which Magpale has reportedly put on hold is the roll-on/roll-off port in Maya, Daanbantayan.

Garcia also initiated the construction of the port while Salimbangon funded the concreting of road leading to it.

Salimbangon questioned why it was stopped when it was already contracted.

“Tungod ba kay project intawn ni nato diri with Gov. Gwen? Dili na maayo nga talimad-on,” Salimbangon said. (Is it because this is a project of Gov. Gwen? This is not a good sign.) — (FREEMAN)