(embrgo) Congress to settle issues on power crisis

MANILA, Philippines - Congress is yet to finalize the joint resolution granting President Benigno Aquino III emergency powers to address the impending power shortage in the country.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel on Wednesday, House of Representatives Committee on Energy chairperson Rep. Reynaldo Umali said that a draft of the joint resolution.

The Senate and House of Representatives have different takes on who should shoulder the cost of the interruptible load program (ILP).

"Senate wants it passed on, particularly the ILP cost... to the consumers although the House panel remained solid that the government should assume the cost for it," Umali said.

The lawmaker added that consumers should not be burdened by shouldering the cost of the ILP.

"If there was mismanagement along the way then it should be government and therefore it should be government who should bear the cost," Umali stressed.

Umali added that Sen. Serio "Serge" Osmeña III, who heads the Senate Committee on Energy, might be open for compromise regarding the said issue.

The time frame of the emergency powers granted to the President also differs with the Senate and House versions.

The House version stated that the Aquino's emergency powers would be effective from March to July this year but the Senate version extends it until the end of the President's term on June 2016.

The bicameral committee is set to meet on Monday to finalize the provisions that would grant special powers to Aquino.

"It's important that we pass this because this is what will make the process and the program very transparent for all stakeholders to understand," Umali said.

The Palace earlier said that the Department of Energy is prepared to address the energy crisis even though the President's special powers came late.

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