Davao City – Following the successful citywide protest led by POWER DABAW against the recently implemented P0.33 power rate increase by the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC), more protests are set to bombard the company.
“We will not stop unless the management of DLPC acquiesces to our demands. We are strongly calling for the company to stop its implementation of P0.33 increase in the power rate,” POWER DABAW spokesperson Terry Abundo exclaimed.
POWER DABAW will intensify its participation in the community-based forums, weekly picket rallies, and signature campaign as first initiated by Consumer Alert. Around 10,000 signatures have been collected from the City’s electricity consumers in support to the petition that Consumer Alert had earlier filed before the City Council through the office of Councilor Pilar Braga, the committee chairperson on communication, transportation, and energy. The forums are also ongoing and are supported by ABC Chairperson Councilor Paolo Duterte who earlier issued a memorandum letter to all barangay captains.
“There is no other way to compel DLPC to stop its implementation but through the people’s unified opposition. The filing of a Temporary Restraining Order before the Supreme Court is one option that the people would have to decide in the days to come,” Abundo warned.
POWER DABAW also took note of the Barangay Resolution passed by Barangay Matina Aplaya “Expressing Opposition to the Power Rate Increase of Davao Light and Power Company Incorporated”.
“We will be lobbying with the rest of the City’s Barangay Councils for them to pass similar resolutions,” Abundo cited.
The group also slammed DLPC for lying about a supposed consultation with the consumer sector before the power rate increase took effect. “The meeting at the Grand Men Seng attended by concerned organizations last August was not a consultation, but a ‘for your information only’ drive that was token move on the part of the DLPC.”
“With or without the consultation, the irrationality of the power rate increase remains a fact. The consultations spearheaded by Consumer Alert through its community-based forums reveal the true sentiments of the people and it is evident that they are against the power rate increase,” Abundo added.
POWER DABAW is an alliance of electric power consumers within the coverage of DLPC’s operations. The alliance is composed of individuals and organizations with principles that agree on industrializing the electric power industry for a socialized electricity service.
(Bulatlat.com)
