‘Power crisis in Mindanao to affect polls’

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Local officials in the south fear that the worsening power crisis in Mindanao will put into question the results of the May 13 elections should there be a massive power outage during canvassing of votes.

The precinct count optical scan (PCOS) machines to be used in the coming polls depend on electricity to function.

North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Talino-Mendoza is worried that even a brief power interruption during the elections will result in people suspecting a manipulated outcome.

“There will surely be suspicion that something is being done with the results of the votes if power outages happen, especially during the transmission of results,” Mendoza said.

She said government should do something about the matter to avoid people questioning the results of the midterm polls.

“The problem on the power crisis should be addressed and appropriate measures should be implemented to ensure that the elections would be held without any hindrances with regard to power supply,” Mendoza said.

North Cotabato, which hosts the Mt. Apo Geothermal plant, has itself been experiencing up to eight hours of power outages lately due to the power curtailment imposed by the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.

Mindanao has recently registered power demand at 1,484 megawatts levels but existing power plants can supply only 1,181 MW, resulting in a deficit of at least 350 MW.

The island’s power supply is largely dependent on hydroelectricity sourced from Lake Lanao in Marawi City and Pulangi River in Bukidnon.

The onset of the summer months has brought down the water level in both Pulangi River and Lake Lanao, causing the resulting power shortage.

Meanwhile, re-electionist Sen. Loren Legarda also cited the need for a clear framework in managing Lake Lanao and its watershed resources with the continued blackouts being experienced in Mindanao.

Legarda said the worsening deforestation of watersheds, including those located in Lake Lanao, and the siltation of river systems are among the reasons the power supply in the island has become erratic.

She said the continued deterioration of Lake Lanao has affected the supply of water from the lake for six of Mindanao’s existing hydroelectric power plants, including Agus, which are collectively responsible for 70 percent of the island’s energy needs.

Legarda had long anticipated the power shortfall in Mindanao, which prompted her to file Senate Bill 3097, a bill establishing an effective policy and regulatory administration over Lake Lanao through the proposed Lake Lanao Development Authority.

According to Legarda, the proposed authority would ensure the promotion and development of Lake Lanao in a sustainable manner.

“The Lake Lanao Development Authority shall have the exclusive jurisdiction to issue environmental compliance certificates / certificate of non-coverage and grant permits for any projects or activities in or affecting the Lake Lanao area. The proposed measure also aims to adopt the integrated water resources management to promote sustainable development in the same area,” she said.