Akelco Is Ours

by AMBROSIO R. VILLORENTE

Picture above shows Mr. Carl Quimpo-Chairman, Board of Directors, Akelco explaining behind the story of the P92.4 million Akelco debt with Avon Rivers. However, majority of those who attended the meeting seemed not satisfied with his explanation. At his far left is Akelco Gen. Mngr. Chito Peralta in deep thinking.

"Akelco is ours", Mr. Lito Motus of Kalibo stressed. Since Akelco is ours, "it is not true that the consumer–members will not pay the P92.4 million debt to Avon Rivers if indeed Akelco has that payable".

Governor Carlito S. Marquez who presided the meeting that discussed the P92.4 million debt supported the stand of Mr. Motus. The two hour meeting was held at the Guest House, Provincial Capitol, Estancia, Kalibo on Saturday, February 28 that lasted after lunch.

Akelco General Manager Chito Peralta suggested the agenda of the meeting which should put the P92.4 million Akelco debt at the last for discussion. However, his suggestion was dis-approved after Atty. Romy Inocencio suggested to reverse the sequence of the agenda. The Inocencio suggestion was adopted as "this meeting was called mainly to discuss the P92.4 million Akelco debt." Gov. Marquez pointed out.

After almost two hours of discussion, the following are agreed:

1. It is not true that the consumer – members are not concern of the P92.4 million debt and therefore it is they who will pay.

2. The Akelco Board of Directors will approve a resolution to withdraw its petition with the Court of Appeals regarding the annulment of the Amended Electric Power Purchase Agreement (EPPA) with Mirant;

3. Akelco Board of Directors to approve resolution requesting Avon Rivers to put aside the Amended EPPA and implement the original EPPA; and

4.Inform the con-sumer members of all things happening inside Akelco from time to time.

Actually, Gov. Marquez called the meeting to discuss "once and for all" the "Settlement Agreement" and the Amendment Agreement to the Settle-ment Agreement" which were kept air tight for several months until Mr. Chito Peralta released a copy to Kaibahang Butz Maquinto of RGMA – DYRU.

Because of the refusal of Akelco to honor the resolution requesting a copy of Settlement Agreement and Amended Settlement Agreement to the Settlement Agreement to LGU Kalibo, Gen. Mngr. Chito Peralta apologized.

The meeting was attended by majority of the municipal mayors of Aklan and the members of the tri-media. /MP