Santiago City, Isabela- Deputy Minority Leader Presley De Jesus expressed concern about widespread tampering that might affect the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (ZAMCELCO),
De Jesus made the disclosure during a House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability meeting into the financial situation of ZAMCELCO.
In an interview with Manila Standard, De Jesus said, “I am seriously concerned about ZAMCELCO’s operations, particularly the widespread meter tampering among large-load consumers, where approximately 800 customers were found manipulating their electricity meters to reduce consumption figures.”
“This fraudulent practice has not only caused significant financial losses for ZAMCELCO but also unfairly shifted the cost burden onto consumers,” he said.
The meeting followed a privilege speech delivered by Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” Dalipe in which the latter highlighted ZAMCELCO’s worsening financial troubles, including liabilities amounting to P4.6 billion, a 22% system loss rate, and monthly losses of around P60 to 70 million.
De Jesus said he has key insights into ZAMCELCO’s operational shortcomings and uncovered several critical problems that continue to persist to date.
Further, De Jesus questioned the utilization of the investment provided by Crown-Desco.
De Jesus also cited the high system losses which remains a critical issue that has long plagued ZAMCELCO. He emphasized that addressing system losses should have been a priority, given its direct impact on the cooperative’s efficiency and financial health.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Philreca party-list lawmaker raises concerns on Zamcelco operations.”
