Bam Aquino backs probe into power outages, high rates

Senator Bam Aquino has backed calls for an investigation into recurring power outages and high electricity rates in the Visayas and Mindanao.

Aquino said the reports of rotational brownouts are worrying, especially as consumers in the two regions are also facing electricity rates reaching P18 to P20 per kilowatt-hour.

“Ang nakakabahala ang ulat tungkol sa rotational brownout, sabay sa record-high na singil sa kuryente sa Visayas at Mindanao. Napakalaking pahirap nito sa ating mga kababayan,” according to him.

Aquino said frequent power interruptions could affect students and small businesses, which depend on a stable electricity supply for their daily activities.

The senator also questioned how the government could spur economic growth in the Visayas and Mindanao without addressing problems in electricity generation.

“Paano natin mapapalago ang Visayas at Mindanao kung hindi natin maresolba ang problema ng electricity generation?” Aquino said.

The senator said he supports the move of Rep. Javi Benitez and other lawmakers from the Visayas to investigate the causes of the power outages and high electricity rates.

“Hanapan natin ito ng solusyon sa lalong madaling panahon upang maibsan na ang pahirap sa ating mga kababayan sa Visayas at Mindanao.”IMT