Groups rally vs. hike in power rate

CEBU, Philippines - The “Power Off” campaign is on.

Various groups, led by the “Freedom from Debt Coalition” and “Sanlakas,” staged a rally in front of  Talisay City Hall yesterday to urge employees to turn off power for thirty minutes starting at 7 in the evening.

The groups are protesting the petition by the National Power Corporation for a 40-centavo hike in power rate.

Teody Nalvea of the Freedom from Debt Coalition said the protest focuses on issues that affect the ordinary electricity consumers.

Yesterday, thousands of electricity consumers from 55 cities and municipalities from 15 provinces and 10 regions staged a multi-form protest dubbed as “National Day of Action.”

 FDC-Cebu secretary-general Aaron Pedrosa and group marched from the people’s assembly in barangay Tabunok, Talisay City and later proceeded to Lapu-Lapu City.

Pedrosa said the Cebu City council has already approved a resolution in support of this 30-minute power-off.

The Association of Barangay Councils in Cebu City will ask respective barangay halls, multi-purpose buildings, and other barangay-owned buildings to turn off power.

Pedrosa said Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza has already issued an executive order in support of the campaign.  (FREEMAN)