Malacañang assured the public on Tuesday, May 6, that government agencies and the private sector are working together to ensure a stable power supply during the May 12 midterm elections.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Energy (DOE) is coordinating with key partners to prevent power interruptions during the voting, transmission, and canvassing of results.
“Mahalagang masiguro ang maayos na daloy ng kuryente para maprotektahan ang publiko at mapanatili ang katatagan ng national grid ngayong halalan,” said Castro.
The DOE has directed the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), National Electrification Administration (NEA), electric cooperatives, and private utilities to remove any structures obstructing power lines.
“Kabilang dito ang mga ilegal na campaign material at iba pang mga istrukturang posibleng magdulot ng panganib sa kaligtasan at sa tuloy-tuloy na suplay ng kuryente,” the Palace official said.
The DOE is also working with local government units and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Special Task Force Baklas to quickly and safely clear these obstructions.
Castro noted that COMELEC had reported the widespread practice of placing campaign materials on electric poles and power lines.
“Hindi lamang paglabag sa election rules kundi malaking panganib din sa kaligtasan at operasyon ng ating power system,” she pointed out.
The DOE initiative aligns with Republic Act No. 11361 or the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act, which aims to safeguard power lines and related infrastructure.IMT
