House body OKs resolution on PNoy emergency powers

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives Committee on Energy on Tuesday approved a joint resolution, which would grant President Benigno Aquino III "emergency powers" to address the impending power crisis next year.

Joint Resolution 21 authorizes the President to "provide for the establishment of additional generating capacity as mandated by Republic Act No. 9136, also known as the 'Elecric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA),' to effectively address the projected electricity shortage in the Luzon grid on March 1, 2015 to July 31, 2015."

The President earlier requested the Congress to grant him additional power generating capacity to meet the country's energy requirements during the said period of tight energy supply.

Data from previous congressional hearings on power crisis showed that on the 14th week of 2015, the maximum projected shortage is 1,004 megawatts (MW) of which 600 MW is needed to meet the required despatchable reserve and 404 MW is needed for the required contingency reserve.

Committee chairperson Rep. Rey Umali said that he is expecting the House to approve the joint resolution by next week.

Meanwhile, Senate Committee on Energy Chairperson Sen. Sergio Osmeña III said that there is no rush for the Senate to tackle the joint resolution as they are prioritizing the passing of the 2015 national budget.