‘Renew PECO, No to MORE’

MONTE Oro (MORE) Power on Nov 26, 2018 presented their plans for the transition period in the Sanggunian Panlungsod at the Iloilo City Hall.

While the presentation was going in the session hall, thousands of people flocked to Plaza Libertad (right beside City Hall) to protest the “railroading and hostile takeover by MORE Power” and called for the renewal of PECO’s franchise.

The protesters also brought placards and streamers to express their opposition to MORE’s application in Iloilo City, also against politicians who favored MORE’s franchise bill.

A small group was also present in opposition to PECO numbering to around 100 people, more or less. The PNP also dispersed the anti-PECO crowd allegedly for lack of a rally permit from the City Hall and PNP.

Several people were interviewed in the rally to get their own sentiments about the power distribution franchise struggle.

One consumer said “Indi namon sila kilala kag daw wala man sila experience sa amo ni nga ubra kay bago lang sila na kompaniya.”

Another consumer added “Bago pa lang sila ga hire tao kag wala guid kita sini kasiguradohan sa ila. Ang PECO may mga improvements na kinahanglan pero kilala ta na sila, dako na ang gin bulig nila sa syudad sang Iloilo. Kung baga gamay nalang na pag improve. Ang MORE dako gid na question mark.”

Many in crowd were also against the swift manner MORE applied for its franchise which did not involve stakeholders from Iloilo City.

They also asked help from President Duterte to get into the picture since both Congress and Senate seem to be in favor of the transition.

“Ka dasig sang ila pag apply kag late na gani masyado, hindi pa naton kilala kung sino sila.

Subong pa lang sila nag present sang kung ano na nga plano nila sa Iloilo. Kulbaan ko para sa mga taga Iloilo kay sa mga hearing nila wala man gina air sa radio unlike sa PECO na bilog na Iloilo naga pamati last year. Tani ma buligan man kita ni President Duterte kay siya guid ang may pwersa nga ma kay-o indi manami na ga ka tabo,” said Johnny, a consumer who joined the rally.

Some consumers also mentioned the positive developments in Iloilo City and how many of their friends and relatives have gotten jobs lately and fear a negative change might happen in this transition.

“Nami guid pag angat sang Iloilo City kag damo na sa mga ka pamilya namun kag mga kilala ang naka kuha mga ubra tungod sini. Dako guid na gamble para sa syudad kag mga Ilonggo kung mag transition pa kita kay hindi kasiguraduhan na ma continue nila ang positive nadevelopments,” said Rosa Perez of City Proper.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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