Gov’t open to other energy solutions – Palace

Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Although President Benigno Aquino III has already asked Congress for a joint resolution allowing him additional powers to address the imminent energy shortage next year, Malacañang on Monday said it is still looking for other way out of the problem.

“We are open to any other solution but it has to be in the context of the discussion and to make sure that it addresses the problem at hand,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said during a Palace briefing.

However, she warned against those saying that Aquino wants emergency powers.

She clarified that the power the President is requesting is under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (Epira) and will allow him only to contract additional generating capacity.

Valte reiterated that Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla would explain before Congress the scope of the authority needed. As of posting time, Petilla is in the House of Representatives meeting with Speaker Feliciano Belmonte.

Aquino earlier said the country should expect a shortage of around 300 megawatts to 1,000 megawatts during the summer of 2015.

Valte said that while she does not prefer the term “compromise” because of its negative connotations, she said the Executive is willing to work closely with Congress for the joint resolution.

She said they do not expect Congress to decide outright but would instead have a series of hearings “to thresh out the details of the request.”

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