Energy officials arriving
for power shortage meet
BROWNOUTS COULD WORSEN
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes, and the presidents of the National Transmission Corp. Art Aguilar and National Power Corp Cyril del Callar, will meet with Negros Occidental officials Wednesday next week on what has been described as the worsening power situation in Western Visayas.

“We need to address the alarming power situation and come up with an action plan,” Negros Occidental Gov. Isidro Zayco said yesterday, in announcing the meeting.

Aguilar also confirmed the meeting to be held at Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City May 7 with top energy and provincial government officials, congressmen, mayors, power cooperative officers and other stakeholders.

Gov. Isidro Zayco is asking  the Provincial Engineer’s Office to explain why a contractor has began site development work on the 3-hectare property owned by the Negros Occidental provincial government in Tabunan, Bago City, when bidding for the project worth about P5 million is set to be held on May 8 yet.

Zayco yesterday afternoon said he was not informed that work had began at the site without any bidding conducted until the issue was raised by the media..

Labor and other militant groups in Negros and Panay will hold protest actions today as petitions for a P125 across-the-board increase in the minimum wage were filed before the Regional Tripartite Wage and Productivity Board, in addition to the P50 wage hike requested by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines.

In Bacolod City, the Kilusang Mayo Uno expects 4,000 members to march at 12 noon from Lupit Church to the city public plaza to renew workers’ call for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, and demand for P125 daily wage increase.

Ronald Ian Evidente said KMU calls on workers in Negros to continue the revolutionary tradition of workers against exploitation, hunger, and meager wages adding that their protest action is supported by BAYAN, National Federation of Sugarworkers, United Negros Drivers and Operators Center and Confederation for the Unity and Recognition of Government Employees.