Board Member Al-Nashier Ibba has urged immediate action to address the escalating electricity prices that are placing a heavy burden on the residents of Palawan.
Ibba pointed out that six months after the House energy committee discussed Palawan’s power issues through House Bill 1544, no concrete steps have been taken to address the rising electricity prices.
During his privilege speech at the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on Tuesday, Ibba appealed to Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and the Energy Regulation Commission (ERC) to consider the adverse effects of removing electricity subsidies on Palaweños.
He expressed concern that the high electricity bills will also impact local small businesses, which are already struggling with inflation, as well as public hospitals, public schools, and other essential services.
“Hinihiling ko sa kanila na ibalik ang subsidiya sa Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO) upang maiwasan ang patuloy na pagtaas ng singil sa kuryente,” Ibba said, citing the government’s commitment to provide affordable power to every Filipino, wherever they are and regardless of their economic status.
“Ang sitwasyon na ito ay di lang banta sa ekonomiya ng ating rehiyon, kundi pati na rin sa kalidad ng buhay ng ating mga residente,” he added.
He said that it is not beneficial for the relevant agencies to remain silent about the next steps regarding this matter, as the hardships continue to worsen.
