VICE President Jejomar Binay vowed to ensure cheap access to electricity and long-term supply to the country, particularly in Mindanao where power problems remain unsolved.
If he is elected, Binay said his administration will move decisively on the Mindanao power crisis and avoid the government’s vacillation that has prevented its resolution.
He also said that steps will be taken to ensure that the Mindanao power issue is not politicized, particularly in assessing the real state of power supply in the region.
Binay deplored the fact that President Benigno Aquino III asked for emergency powers and P5 billion purportedly for supply shortage in Luzon, while Mindanao was seemingly left out in the cold although it has been suffering from power outages since 2010.
“Mindanao has been suffering from power problem since 2010 and yet there no emergency powers have been requested from Congress,” Binay said, adding that he will also pursue legislation to address energy needs, including a decision on whether the Agus-Pulangi power plant complexes should be privatized.
“Of course, before proceeding with any decision we will have to consult with all energy stakeholders. Our decision will hinge on one objective—to strike a balance between reasonably priced electricity in Mindanao and electricity supply availability,” Binay said.
Vice President Binay also said he will overhaul appointments in energy agencies.
“Overstaying and inept heads and deputies should be removed. Appointments should be based on merit and competence in the field of energy and management,” said Binay.
Binay also outlined his energy plan based on “five pillars.”
“First, we have to assess and determine the real story on the demand and supply situation. The Department of Energy and Mindanao Development Authority must work together to ensure that we obtain reliable data and inputs that we can use in formulating and implementing policies,” said the Vice President.
The second pillar, meanwhile, is focused on achieving energy self-sufficiency by utilizing own energy resources: oil, gas, renewable energy, coal—through multiple credible contracting rounds.
The third pillar focuses on creating investment opportunities by implementing Master Plan for Natural Gas for long-term supply viability and recalibrating feed-in tariff renewable energy policy to allow for more investments at more competitive pricing.
The fourth pillar aims to revisit the statutory and policy framework on power and electricity.
“We will reassess sectors in electric power industry: generation, distribution, transmission, and supply, and seek to improve the power market through responsive policies, rules, and regulations,” said Binay.
Finally, the fifth pillar is aimed at institutionalizing mitigating measures to minimize the effects of volatile oil prices on the public transport sector, as well as expanding the use of alternative fuels for transport and power sectors to provide the public with choices.