Aklanons Protest VS Akelco High Rate

by Ambrosio R. Villorente

All the 17 town mayors of Aklan led by Governor Carlito S. Marquez and Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores held a mass rally in protest against the implementation of the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) between the Global Business Power Corporation and AKELCO. The protest rally was held in the afternoon of Monday, October 22 at Pastrana Park, Kalibo, Aklan.
According to New Washington Mayor Edgar R. Peralta, the approval of such PPA was made through systematic deception. In 2003, Akelco and Mirant Philippines agreed and signed a contract whereby Global Mirant will supply electric power at a cost of as high if not lower than what Akelco pays to the National Power Corporation (NAPO-COR). Moreover, the contract did not include any exclusivity clause. That contract was signed by then Congresswoman Gabrielle V. Calizo and then Governor Florencio T. Miraflores as witnesses. Before the two officials signed the contract, the proponents assured them as well as the Sangguniang Pan-lalawigan members of Aklan that the cost per kilowatt hour is just equal if not lower than what NAPOCOR charges Akelco.
However, in 2004, Akelco and Global Mirant signed an amended contract which is highly disadvantageous to the consumer-members.
Specifically removed from the original contract was the costing that it will not exceed the rate NAPOCOR charges the Akelco. That provision on costing was changed to a formula as the basis of costing the electricity GBPC provides Akelco. This formula has tremendously increased the Akelco power rate.
Moreover, the amended contract now includes the exclusivity clause that mandates Akelco to source its power only from Global Business Power Corporation even if there are other sources of electricity much cheaper than that of GBPC.
The amended contract is approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission through what Mayor Edgar Peralta said, by systematic deception.
Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores and Hon. Rodson Mayor were able to obtain Temporary Restraining Order from the Regional Trial Court, Kalibo, Aklan which restrained Akelco from implementing the amended contract. However, after one month, Akelco has obtained another restraining order from the Court of Appeals, Cebu City. /MP