Inter-agency body created to oversee electrification programs

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang has created an inter-agency committee to oversee the electrification programs and projects of distribution utilities in the country.

Under Memorandum 65, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. said the panel would be composed of representatives from the Office of the Executive Secretary and Department of Energy (DOE) as co-chairpersons, and Departments of Budget and Management (DBM), the Interior and Local Government, Justice and National Defense as members.

The Mindanao Development Authority and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao shall serve as ad-hoc members in their respective areas.

The committee to be supported by a secretariat to be organized by the DOE may call upon any government instrumentality, including local government units, non-government organizations and the private sector for assistance as the circumstances may require.

It is tasked to assess the electrification programs and projects of distribution utilities and identify bottlenecks, difficulties and issues; develop a plan to ensure that the electrification programs and projects of distribution utilities are sustainable and secure; and review and recommend relevant plans and courses of action to the Office of the President (OP) and concerned agencies.

It is also tasked to review and recommend to the OP policy and operational options to resolve electrification concerns, including the exercise of the power of the state to temporarily take-over or direct the operation of any privately owned public utility, if needed.

The member-agencies of the committee are authorized to charge against their current budget amounts as may be necessary for the implementation of the circular.

The DBM would also identify and provide additional funds and possible sources.