‘Political insertions’ spoiled Pacquiao win

Businessmen and consumers are watching closely following Congress’ recent decision to disenfranchise Panay Electric Company (Peco), Iloilo’s sole power distributor for the past 96 years.

On Jan. 19, the company’s 25-year franchise was allowed to expire by the House committee on legislative franchises where it was pending.

Reasons cited for its nonrenewal were mounting consumer complaints, bad service, charging of exorbitant rates as well as unexplained charges and technical failures.

Late last year, the Senate approved on second reading the franchise of More Electric and Power Corp. (More Power). Major stockholder businessman Enrique Razon promised Iloilo province a modern, efficient, low-cost and “state-of-the-art” electric distribution network.

Was the nonrenewal of Peco’s franchise a legitimate “public-driven congressional decision” or an orchestrated “corporate takeover?”

Will the same fate happen to ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. when its 25-year public franchise ends in 2020?

* * *

Most Filipinos are ecstatic about Sen. Manny Pacquiao’s win over the younger Adrien Broner in Las Vegas.

But the numerous “political insertions” in that world championship bout spoiled the fight outcome.

The name of a party-list group emblazoned on the ring mat and a guy from that group standing near Pacquiao were a bit too much.

A senatorial candidate who carried the championship belt inside the ring was spotted being accosted by a security aide.

And what about that loaded question of whether or not Pacquiao would run for President?

Also, I think that the supposed free live TV coverage was a big letdown. Even though the fight was already over on pay-per-view, Round 1 had yet to start on TV. Making money was clearly the prime agenda, not the entertainment of Pacquiao fans.

* * *

Local governments in Metro Manila should continue their campaign to install live closed-circuit TV cameras in their areas of jurisdiction. These “eyes on the streets” and heightened police mobility clearly contributed to the continuing decline of index crimes in Metro Manila from 13.59 percent in 2016, 11.59 percent in 2017 and 9.15 percent in 2018.

Robberies decreased by 66 percent in 30 months from July 2015 to October 2018. Theft also dropped by 60.19 percent during the same period.

The days of “snatchers” and “agaw cell phones” of many years ago are nearly over.

I hope this trend continues even as we receive reports of corrupt cops carrying on with their mulcting ways.

In Taguig, two cops were caught extorting money from a “drug suspect.”

In Quezon City, 17 police officers from the Galas police’s Station Drug Enforcement Unit have been dismissed for extorting money from three arrested drug suspects last year.

Keep going after these rogue cops, Metro police chief, Director Guillermo Eleazar!

* * *

Guess who: A very famous married businessman is so enamored of his young girlfriend from Tondo that he gave her family very expensive double condominium units on Diosdado Macapagal Avenue.

I was told the girl recently had an accident.

For comments and suggestions, please e-mail [email protected].