4 weeks ago
13
TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte — Senatorial candidates from the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition vowed to push bills addressing the power supply problems in Region 11 (Davao) if elected in the May 12 midterm polls.
In a press conference during their campaign rally in Tagum City, Davao del Norte on Saturday, reelectionist Sen. Francis Tolentino said Senate Bill 2888 will help boost the economy in the region by expanding the areas being served by the Davao Light and Power Co. Inc. (DLPC).
"I hope that alone would help not only the producers of export products but particularly the households here. Our team would explore further avenues to boost agriculture as well as the economic competitiveness of the Davao Region," Tolentino said.
He expressed optimism that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. would sign the bill.
ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo said he has been pushing a review of all the franchises run by electric cooperatives.
Get the latest news
delivered to your inbox
Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters
By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
"Since last year, I moved to review all the franchises run by electric cooperatives. If they do not perform well, they should end their contracts and give them to power companies that can deliver," he said.
Tulfo said the consumers continue to suffer due to power supply woes.
"I think it's time to review these (electric) cooperatives," he added.
Tulfo said another solution that would help spur economic development in Davao is to connect every city and town in Mindanao by building more roads and expressways.
Makati City Mayor Abby Binay, another candidate from the administration Senate slate, said solutions to the power problems should be the government's priority to achieve economic progress in the region.
She said renewable energy can also help address the power problem.
Other coalition Senate bets include reelectionist Senators Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, Pia Cayetano and Imee Marcos; Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar; former senators Manny Pacquiao, Panfilo Lacson and Vicente Sotto III; and former Interior secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.
