Iloilo City mayor asks Palace help in power distribution woes

MANILA, Philippines—Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas has sought Malacañang’s intervention on the alleged “inadequately maintained” distribution lines owned by Panay Electric Co., Inc. (PECO) which supposedly caused fire incidents in different parts of the city.

In a letter dated Oct. 25, a copy of which was obtained by INQUIRER.net, Trenas asked the Presidential Complaint Center to direct the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to address customer complaints against PECO.

In his letter, the Iloilo mayor enumerated incidents of fire which he said were “directly attributable to the poorly-maintained facilities owned by PECO.”

While the attention of PECO had been repeatedly called to address the issue, Treñas claimed that the city is “still plagued with the same problems.”

In his letter to the Office of the President, Treñas cited nine incidents of fire from Oct. 19 to 21 based on the Bureau of Fire Protection’s report to the city hall.

“Due to the worsening turn of events, the undersigned is obliged to take the necessary steps to address the needs of the people considering that the problems and complaints raised against PECO have direct consequences not only to property but to the lives of the resident of Iloilo city,” Treñas said.

A copy of the letter was also sent to the ERC.

INQUIRER.net tried to get the side of PECO but has yet to reply as of posting time.