National Government starts hearings on Power Act rules

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — The National Government held here yesterday the first in a series of public consultations on the draft implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for Republic Act 9136 or Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).

The consultation was participated in by representatives from the National Power Corp. (Napocor), DOE, Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), National Electrification Administration (NEA), Department of Finance (DOF), Transmission Co., PSALM, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), and related agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry, Office of the President-Public Information Agency, Department of Natural Resources and Department of Agriculture-National Irrigation Authority.

After this, the EPIRA-Communication Team will go to the different cities and provinces nationwide to present the draft IRR. The next consultations will be held in Zamboanga (Sept. 26), Davao and Tacloban (Oct. 4), Baguio and Naga (Oct. 18), Cebu and Manila (Oct. 15).

Results of the consultations will be consolidated in a session to be held at the Asian Institute of Management on Oct. 29.

"The public has a stake in how the laws are being implemented. It is about time that the general public get involved in matters that concern their lives," Energy Secretary Vincent S. Perez said.

He said "gone are the days of leaving it all to the government. If we expect better services, then we must also take it upon ourselves to give our share."