The House Energy Committee chaired by Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo (Pampanga, 2nd district) will hold a congressional inquiry into the approval of the power sales contract between Central Negros Electric Cooperative and Korean Electric Power Corp.-Salcon Power Corp. at the provincial Capitol in Bacolod City on March 13, Rep. Jose Carlos Lacson (Neg, Occ., 3rd District) said.

The power sales contract was inked by officials of KSPC based in Naga, Cebu City , and CENECO in Bacolod City on July 16, 2007,  and had been under attack from environmentalist opposed to the use of electricity from coal, and some consumers groups.

The oppositors, and officials of CENECO, the National Electrification Administration, Energy Regulatory Board and other stakeholders will be invited to the inquiry, Lacson said.

“I’m not being judgmental here, I’m providing the venue for everybody to ventilate their concerns, especially the oppositors,” Lacson said.

The inquiry will also provide a forum for CENECO officials, who have been accused of lack of transparency in signing the contract, to air their side and defend themselves, Lacson said.

Roberto Montelibano, CENECO president, said he heard that a hearing would be held but had not received any official communication yet.

We definitely welcome any investigation so the public can be informed of our side, he said.

He said charges hurled against CENECO have been mere allegations and no actual charges have been filed.*CPG

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