Avoiding their waterloo

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Managing Editor ANTONIETA B. LOPEZ Business Editor ODETTE MONTELIBANO Desk Editor MARY ANN BARCELONA Advertising Coordinator ALEX PAL Bureau Chief, Dumaguete

ANDRES R. LEONARDIA Managing Director

Yesterday's DAILY STAR front page carried two reports on utility firms in Negros Occidental that could probably trigger a double whammy for local consumers.

With the Central Negros Electric Cooperative reporting monthly losses amounting to P5 million due to the difference in power cost collected by the government, consumers can just anticipate moves for additional rates in the near future for it to remain a viable initiative while also being concerned with pro-consumer issues. There is also the move of the Bacolod Ciy Water District to seek a 34 percent increase in water use rates. The BACIWA move is considered by officials as untimely amidst high power rates, the existing economic situation and also increased tuition as parents enrol their children in schools for the June opening.

Increases in rates are needed for private companies to keep pace with the pressures of increasing pay scales and incentives and hiked operational and other administrative costs. Utility firms like CENECO and BACIWA, therefore have to justify possible increases particularly in public hearings before they are authorized to effect such hike.

But caught in the quagmire of the present economic situation, consumers are expected to oppose no matter how logical and sound the justifications are, while also demanding for quality and prompt services from the utility firms.

Increases in charges by privately-owned utility firms are unavoidable, no matter how the government regulates the rates and insist on pegging them to present levels as long as possible. The burden of presenting convincing arguments lies in these firms, whose honest-to-goodness intentions are tainted by accusations of lavish and profligate operations. These could pose as the waterloo for BACIWA, CENECO and other utility firms in justifying proposed increases.

Prayers for Fortich As the rains quenched the Earth yesterday, our spirits were also doused by reports that the Monsignor is ill. Bishop Emeritus Antonio Fortich has been in the hospital for almost a month battling breathing problems and apparently the repercussions of diabetes and several mild strokes in the past. Our beloved prelate needs our prayers for strength amidst his present health difficulties.

Despite his age and retirement, he has shown for so long the endurance and fortitude of a man whose life has been seasoned not only by faith but also by adversities, his distinct brand of humor in tact, defying the usual patterns associated with the aging process.

At 89 and bedridden, he may not be physically firm and able anymore. We echo the appeal of Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra for supplications for Msgr. Fortich's fortitude. The ailing Monsignor needs our prayers.*