DOE vows to restore power in storm-hit areas

Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—After receiving a scolding from President Benigno Aquino III, Malacañang on Wednesday said the Department of Energy has taken responsibility and promised to restore electricity in Davao Oriental and other typhoon-hit areas.

“Now the DOE is clearly on point on this and (Energy) Secretary (Carlos Jericho) Petilla has assured the full restoration of electricity in all Pablo-affected areas within 45 days,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a televised press briefing.

Valte said Petilla already spoke with the President and will submit a memo on his action plan.

Aquino on Monday lightly scolded his Cabinet members during his Edsa People Power speech in Cateel, Davao Oriental for pointing fingers at the lack of electricity in the area, more than year after Typhoon “Pablo” hit the country in December 2012.

“I was surprised to learn that electricity is yet to be restored in some places here. The National Electrification Administration said they already have a pending request. But the Department of Budget and Management said the request is not with them. Now I am asking the Department of Energy where the request is,” the President said on Monday.

“Before I leave Cateel, I need a proper answer. I hope they don’t test my patience,” he added.

Asked if “heads will roll” or if Petilla would resign in case the 45-day deadline is not met, Valte said, “I don’t think anyone doubts the seriousness of the President when he made that statement.”

Aquino last December rejected the Energy Secretary’s resignation after he failed to re-energize a small number of towns devastated by Super Typhoon “Yolanda.”

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