Bare solutions to Mindanao power woes, DOE urged

MANILA, Philippines - Amid security concerns for the May elections, the Department of Energy (DOE) has been urged to make public its plans in solving the worsening power problem in Mindanao.

Valenzuela City Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian yesterday said the public deserves to know how the agency would solve the crisis in order to allay concerns on the safety of the poll officers and the credibility of the elections.

Gatchalian cited the DOE’s mission to improve the quality of life of  Filipinos by formulating and implementing policies and programs that will ensure sustainable, stable, secure, sufficient and accessible energy.

“This is the perfect time to demonstrate DOE’s commitment to its mission. Save Mindanao from power failures and you save the island from a possible failure of elections,” he said.

Commission on Elections spokesman James Jimenez earlier cited concern for the electoral process, the safety of voters and election officers, and the security of the elections.

“A blackout raises the risk of election anomalies,” Jimenez said. 

The DOE last week asked the public anew for its cooperation, urging people to be vigilant and report suspicious activities in critical areas.