PNoy meets energy officials amid looming power crisis

MANILA, Philippines — President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday called for a meeting to discuss the proposal to grant him emergency powers to address the country's power situation, Malacañang said.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla has informed the President about his proposal as a power shortage looms next year.

Citing projections of the Department of Energy, Coloma said there could be a possible shortage of 200 megawatts between March and May of 2015.

"Naipanukala niya (Petilla) na ngayon pa lang, habang maaga, pag-aralan na ito para masuri kung ano 'yung iba’t ibang opsyon at isa lamang opsyon 'yung pag-invoke ng emergency powers," Coloma said at a press briefing.

The Palace official said Petilla is proposing an additional capacity of 200 to 300 megawatts, making a total of 400 to 500 megawatts in new capacity in Luzon and parts of the Visayas.

He said under Section 71 of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) Law, Congress may authorize through a joint resolution the establishment of additional generating capacity upon the determination by the President of an imminent shortage of the supply of electricity.

"Because according to existing laws, the private sector has primary responsibility for providing new generation capacity and the government may step in only if there is an emergency," Coloma said.

"Hence, he says, there is need for government to study at this point whether this course of action is warranted way ahead of the projected time of shortfall," the energy chief added.