Escudero to Comelec: Present contingency plan for election day power outage

FILE PHOTO: Sorsogon Gov. Francis “Chiz” Escudero. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Senatorial candidate and Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero urged the Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Sunday to present its contingency plan, should a power outage happens during the elections on May 9, during the counting of votes, and during the canvassing period.

“Ang no-el na kinatatakutan natin ngayon ay hindi na ‘yung ‘no elections,’ kundi yung ‘no electricity.’ Kaya gusto nating malaman ano ba ang plano ng COMELEC sakaling mawalan ng kuryente, lalo na sa labas ng Metro Manila. Hindi sapat na sabihin na may plano—ano yung plano? Ano yung protocol?” Escudero said in a statement.

(The no-el that we fear now is not the “no elections,” but the “no electricity.” That is why we want to know Comelec’s plan in case of a power outage, especially outside Metro Manila. It is not enough to say that there is a plan—what is the plan? What’s the protocol?)

“Kaakibat ng pag-automate natin ng eleksyon, partikular ng counting at canvassing, ang pag-depende natin sa kuyente at teknolohiya. Kaya iyan ang isang bagay na napakahalagang i-secure tuwing eleksyon at bilangan. Ang DOE (Department of Energy) na mismo ang nagsabi na ‘di nila masisiguradong hindi magkaka-brownout sa May 9, so kung ganon, ano ang contingency plan ng COMELEC?” he continued.

(Related to the automated elections, particularly counting and canvassing, is our dependence on power and technology. That is why that is one of the things that must be secured during elections and counting. The DOE said that they cannot ensure that there will be no brownouts on May 9, if that’s the case, what is Comelec’s contingency plan?)

The Sorsogon governor likewise pointed out the importance of presenting the plan to show transparency and build confidence in the poll process.

The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines warned of a “thin power supply” in Luzon due to increased demand during the dry season.

Comelec Commissioner George Erwin Garcia earlier said electric cooperatives have assured of a sufficient power outlook on election day.

/MUF