Binay bares energy platform

MANILA, Philippines - As he prepared to face rival presidential candidates in a forum in General Santos City, Vice President Jejomar Binay bared yesterday what he called his comprehensive energy platform to address the power crisis in Mindanao.

Binay pledged to work for an inclusive energy platform to ensure greater people’s access to cheap electricity as well as guarantee long-term energy supply and security.

The Vice President scored the Aquino administration for reportedly not doing much for Mindanao, many parts of which have been suffering from extensive blackouts since 2010.

Binay noted that the President was quick to request for emergency powers and P5 billion from Congress amid threats of a power crisis in Luzon this year.

The Senate did not approve Aquino’s request. No energy crisis was experienced in Luzon.

If elected president, Binay said he would immediately lay the groundwork for reforms in the energy sector.

One of his proposals is the privatization of the Agus and Pulangi hydroelectric power plant complexes, which generate power for southern Philippines.

“Of course, before proceeding with any decision we will have to consult with all energy stakeholders. Our decision will hinge on one objective – to strike a balance between reasonably priced electricity in Mindanao and electricity supply availability,” he said.

The Vice President said he would overhaul appointments in energy offices and remove overstaying and inept heads.

“Appointments should be based on merits and competence in the field of energy and management,” he said.

Binay also called for the full implementation of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA Law). He also said he would check whether there is a need to extend the contract for the Malampaya project.

The Commission on Audit earlier ordered the Department of Energy to collect P53 billion in back taxes from the consortium behind the Malampaya deep water gas-to-power project, on top of the government’s 60-percent share of net proceeds, said Binay.

Five pillars

The Vice President said his energy platform would be based on five pillars.

“First, we have to assess and determine the real story on the demand and supply situation. The Department of Energy and Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA) must work together to ensure that we obtain reliable data and inputs that we can use in formulating and implementing policies,” he said.

The second pillar, he said, is focused on achieving energy self-sufficiency by utilizing own energy resources – oil, gas, renewable energy, coal – through multiple credible contracting rounds.

The third pillar would focus on creating investment opportunities by implementing masterplans on natural gas and renewable energy aimed at allowing more investments at more competitive pricing.

The fourth pillar, meanwhile, would focus on revisiting the statutory and policy framework on power and electricity.

“Under the fifth pillar, we wouldpush for the complete electrification of households and sitios to ensure wider energy access,” Binay said.