Fix Mindanao power–Recto

Sen. Ralph Recto. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

SEN. RALPH Recto on Sunday urged Malacañang to act immediately to stop the power outages in  Mindanao, warning that brownouts during the May 9 elections could have “frightening repercussions.

“No-el due to no-el—no elections due to no electricity—will raise the political temperature there. That would be a big problem,” Recto said, adding that this may even “make the Kidapawan incident a mere mosquito bite.”

The senator was referring to the violent dispersal of a farmers protest rally that resulted in the death of three protesters and injuries to scores of others.

Recto said this scenario would have “frightening repercussions.”

He said the presidential race was a tight race and that “one region, one big city can make a difference on the final presidential and vice presidential tally.”

“So you can just imagine the frustration of the Mindanaoans if they won’t be able to vote for their bets on May 9,” Recto said.

Recto noted the admission of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) that Mindanao residents would have to face power interruptions this year due to the delay in the repair of towers bombed in North Cotabato and Lanao del Sur earlier.

In a statement, Recto urged the drawing up of contingency plans, “including sourcing of locally available portable generators that will power voting precincts.”

“Darkness is the best breeding ground for all sorts of conspiracy stories. Evil lurks in the dark. But if there’s light, if there’s electricity, all speculations and even sabotage plans, stop,” said Recto, who is seeking reelection next month.

As of January, at least 17 transmission towers had been bombed by suspected rebels.  The NGCP said many of the damaged or toppled towers had been restored but problems  hounded the full restoration of the power system. Christine O. Avendaño