President Rodrigo Duterte has given Palawan local officials until the end of the year to “upgrade” its source of energy to solve the frequent power interruptions in the province.
“I’ll give you about towards at the end of the year, a new set-up that would provide energy— enough energy to run a place and so that it can develop and it can operate, and it can move,” the President said Saturday night during a speech in Puerto Princesa City.
The President noted that the province is experiencing power interruptions lasting from six to eight hours, which he said is “not acceptable.”
“‘Iyong inyong ilaw dito at this late of the day of development in the country, may brownout kayo na six to eight hours. That is not acceptable to me,” he said.
Duterte said unless the local government of Palawan finds a way to “upgrade” its energy source, he will find a new electricity operator.
“Kailangan… You’ll have to upgrade your source of energy. Kasi kapag hindi, ang gawain ko maghanap ako ng may pera talaga. China, eh nangangati ang kamay niyan eh just to get hold of developments here,” he said.
(It is necessary…You’ll have to upgrade your source of energy. If not, I’ll look for funding. China will be eager to get hold of developments here.)
“I will expropriate your franchise. Bilihin ko iyan. Well, at a valuation that is fair. Just compensation. I-expropriate ko iyan, bayaran ko—ipabayaran ko iyang mga… Well, of the cooperatives, lahat. Then ibigay ko sa mag-operate na bago,” he added.
(I will expropriate your franchise. I will buy that. Well, at a valuation that is fair. Just compensation. I-expropriate that, I’ll pay for it. Well, of the cooperatives, everything. Then I’ll give that to a new operator.)
Duterte also mentioned that he is keen to further discuss with the governor of Palawan and the mayor of Puerto Princesa the energy issues in the province.
“Maybe can set up time and space for us. Pag-usapan natin ‘to (Let’s discuss this),” he said. /ee