Publishers’ group supports MORE for Iloilo power

The Publishers’ Association of the Philippines (PAPI) strongly believes new Iloilo City power distributor More Power and Electric Corp. is addressing the power distribution and supply needs of the city and its residents.

“Aside from winning the support of just about all sectors of the community—city officials, church leaders, business groups, consumer advocacy groups, etc. We are convinced that More Power is doing everything to ensure a much better relationship with the community it serves,” PAPI president Nelson Santos said.

PAPI, one the country’s largest media groups, released its investigative report on the power distribution system in Iloilo City, which includes the management of former Iloilo City distributor Panay Electric Company(PECO) and the changes in the city after its franchise was revoked.

“We took interest on the issue because it involves the interest and welfare of Ilonggo power consumers, which is really the most affected sector in this controversy. We looked at the issue and knew right away that we need to do something to ferret out the truth regarding this matter,” said Santos.

Santos said the numerous issues involving PECO after its franchise was rejected created confusion among the public that needed to be clarified.

Santos is also hopeful that the comprehensive report on the power situation in Iloilo City will help the 650,000 power consumers in Iloilo City receive the accurate information.

PAPI discussed in its report Congress’ basis for the cancellation of PECO’s legislative franchise and the filing of different cases in the courts and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to stop More Power from operating.

“Energy is considered to be the lifeline of an economy and the most vital instrument for socio-economic development in a community like Iloilo City. Significantly, the city’s energy distribution infrastructure has been grossly underfunded for years as clearly manifested by PECO’s dilapidated and rotten facilities as well as outmoded and dangerously substandard equipment,” according to the PAPI report.

The report said Ilonggo consumers had enough of PECO which paved way to the birth of the “No to PECO Franchise Renewal” campaign and later on Congress’ awarding the franchise to MORE Power “with the hope that it will not just rehabilitate the ageing and dilapidated distribution infrastructure, but also roll-out an appropriate development plan to improve and upgrade the same.””

The report also included how More Power conducted its operations from the time it was over as the power supplier of Iloilo City last February 2020 and its accomplishments over a short period of time.

PAPI said MORE Power will need “double time” to show its mettle and prove as the new distributor of Iloilo City.