DOE chief downplays ‘sabotage’ in power failure

Energy Secretary Jericho L. Petilla. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Energy Secretary Jericho Petilla downplayed fears of “sabotage” against the national and local elections on May 13 shortly after a power outage hit areas of Luzon, including Metro Manila Wednesday.

In a press conference aired over the radio, Petilla assured the public that the precinct count optical scan [PCOS] machines “can run on its batteries . . . and on generators” in the event that the power failure extends to Election Day.

Power outage hit areas in Metro Manila and Luzon Wednesday afternoon after five major power plants shut down for reasons still unknown and Petilla said that there was “no reason to believe that this is sabotage”.

Petilla said they were “hoping that before the end of the day, we shall have the power up.”