Power firms open to granting emergency authority to PNoy

CEBU, Philippines - The government has already said President Noynoy Aquino must be granted the emergency powers to prevent a power shortage next year.

But industry players in the power sector said such special authority must be given on a limited basis.

Francisco Sebastian, chairman of Global Business Power Corporation, said that if, in any case, the Congress will grant the emergency powers, the President must use it properly and not abuse it.

"It should be short-term," Sebastian said in a recent press interview during the firm's power plant inauguration in Toledo City. "It can't be carried longer because it could disrupt the free market in the power (industry)."

He explained the authority could possibly distort the free market nature in the industry.

Giving Aquino the additional powers will allow the government to enter into new energy supply contracts and lease diesel generators to increase power supply.

The chairman also noted the downside of the said proposal is that emergency supply would cost at a higher price.

This is contrary to the Department of Energy's assertion that such powers would not hike power rates in the country.

The DOE assured that these additional powers won't be similar to the powers given to former President Fidel Ramos.

During Ramos' time, high power cost in the country had been experienced.

On the other hand, Jaime Azurin, GBPC's executive vice president, said: "It's how the government will use the emergency powers. It has to be short-term."

The GBPC officials said the Visayas region would definitely be affected by the looming power crisis particularly in Luzon.

"The two (regions) are interconnected. If there's a problem in Luzon, most likely it will spill over to Visayas," Sebastian said. (FREEMAN)