‘No longer tolerable,’ Zubiri says Senate ready to probe power crisis
FILE PHOTO: Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri —SENATE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — An “incensed and dismayed” Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Thursday expressed the upper chamber’s readiness to look into the power crisis that hit parts of the country early this week.
“We will not stand idly by while our fellow Filipinos suffer due to the negligence and lack of urgency in addressing this power crisis,” Zubiri said in a statement.
“Kung kailangang imbestigahan natin ito, gagawin natin para malutas ang puno’t dulo ng problema,” he also said.
(If we need to investigate this, we will do so to resolve the root of the problem)
Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas earlier sought a congressional probe following a massive power outage that struck Panay and Guimaras Islands on Tuesday, January 2.
READ: Panay blackout takes toll on locals, business
“I am absolutely incensed and dismayed by the persistent power outages plaguing some provinces in Western Visayas, particularly in Iloilo,” Zubiri said.
“This situation is no longer tolerable,” he stressed.
The Senate leader then urged the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to urgently address this problem “before irreparable damage is done to our communities.”
READ: Iloilo City mayor outraged at NGCP over Panay blackouts
He lamented that these constant power interruptions are causing widespread effects on communities and businesses.
“The DOE and the NGCP must understand the gravity of this situation and act decisively to resolve the situation. They should get their acts together immediately,” said Zubiri.
At the same time, the Senate chief demanded transparency on the root causes of the outages and a comprehensive plan of action to resolve this problem.
READ: Blackouts in Panay: NGCP, MORE Electric both to blame, says solon
“Hindi po ito magandang senyales lalo na’t sinasalubong natin ang bagong taon. Hindi po dapat abala at kahirapan ang hatid ng pamahalaan sa ating mga mamamayan sa pagpasok ng 2024,” Zubiri said.
(This is not a good sign, especially as we welcome the new year. The government should not bring inconvenience and hardship to our citizens as we enter 2024.)
