The city government has sought the support of the local business sector on the civil suit it has filed against the Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO) by giving testimonies of damages due to the power outages.
Atty. Anna Chavez of the City Legal Office (CLO) said Tuesday evening that the city will now proceed with the legal action for injunction and damages.
Chavez said they sought the cooperation of business establishments during the monthly membership meeting of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PPCI) Puerto Princesa chapter.
“From what I’ve heard naman, they are willing to render their support. Ang naging initial apprehension nga lang nila baka i-single out sila ng PALECO which I think would not happen,” Chavez said.
PCCI Puerto Princesa president Atty. Joel Tan said they are not soliciting anger towards the electric cooperative but he admitted that there are damages recorded.
“We are not soliciting any anger towards PALECO and we want to cooperate with them, kaya lang may mga actual damages, meron nasirang gamit sa hotels, air-conditioned units, so it’s up to you,” Tan said.
Chavez said they assured businesses that there is nothing to be threatened about in giving testimonies to support the case.
“Nagulat ako (sa hesitation) kasi prior to the filing of the case syempre nakikita mo on social media na marami talaga affected sa news feed ko pa lang tapos nagulat ako na bakit. Nagulat din ako dahil yong reason nila ay more on natatakot sila, sabi ko bakit kaya sila natatakot?” she said.
Chavez also said that the city legal office is just enforcing the rights of the consumers and stressed that they will be objective on it.
She also clarified that the city government has no intent to harass the electric cooperative but just to redress the grievances of consumers and residents of the city.
She also encouraged residents to also give their testimonies.
“Kung sino yong willing, they can cooperate with us at pumunta sila sa office namin instead of ranting it out solely in social media, wala naman mangyayari kapag ganon,” she said.
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