Consumer Domain
By Ian Seruelo

PECO, gluttony, environment

“Gluttony is not a secret vice.”

—Orson Welles

First let me start this article with a happy note. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), in a recent ruling, denied with finality the second motion for reconsideration of PECO on its earlier orders concerning PECO's rate unbundling.

The regulatory body, in its April 25, 2005 order, ruled that PECO's second motion for reconsideration is "denied with finality" and ordered that its May 19, 2004 and January 19, 2005 decisions be implemented "without delay, otherwise, appropriate sanctions shall be imposed."

We have been waiting for the execution of this order, which will mean a reduction of at least P2 per kilowatt-hour, since last year but PECO's greedy officials utilized all tactics they can think of to delay its implementation.

This has been a long and protracted battle against the abusive power distributor that other intervenors has long lost interest on the struggle including the Iloilo City Council and other groups whose only aim is to score propaganda points among the public.

That's why this column salutes Atty. Romeo Gerochi, the Freedom from Debt Coalition (FDC) and the Ilonggo Consumers Advocacy & Welfare (ICAW) for fighting it out ‘til the end or at least until this very moment. These consumer advocates have persevered in appearing before the ERC in all the hearings, responding to PECO's pleadings, writing to the media, holding pickets and other activities to voice out the consumers' protests and educating the public on the issue.

While we expect PECO to mobilize its resources to cause more delay in the order's implementation, we sure hope that PECO consumers will savor this victory soon. This column will keep you posted on the developments.

* * * * *

Now let's go to my next topic – GLUTTONY. I don't know but how in the world can the Iloilo Provincial Government consume about P.3 Million per month or P10,000 per day worth of food.

It seems that the capitol is a very generous host that it is fond of treating its guests to food binges. P3.5 Million in a year's time! Whew, that is such a feat for Gov. Tupas! Yes, gluttony is the term for that and this paper's banner story on the previous issue got it right too – FOOD TRIP.

These resources could have been allotted to more important concerns and much-needed services. This only reflects the lack of prudence in spending the people's money.

Now, maybe this discovery of the Commission on Audit (COA) is only the tip of the ice berg. Maybe COA should dig deeper into this. Can this be an expression of the depth of corruption in the Capitol? Pati catering, dalasa ba! Mahuya man kamo!

 * * * * *

Lastly, I would like to share an open letter of different advocacy groups and people's organizations in opposing the Commission on Appointments' confirmation of Mike Defensor as Secretary of the Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR).

The way I see it, it seems Defensor is misinformed about the function of DENR. He thinks that DENR is tasked to peddle the country's environment and natural resources not to protect it. Tsk tsk trapo gid!

The letter below is signed by FDC, PAHRA, TFDP, Save Manicani Movement (SAMAMO), AMRSP-WGC, KAISAMPALAD, SANLAKAS, KALAYAAN!, BMP, PM, KAAGAPAY-Mindoro Oriental, SDK, PPI, KASAMAKA and many others.

Distinguished Members of the Committee ,

Since his temporary stay at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Sec. Mike Defensor has been unequivocal in his support to revive the mining industry. He puts policies in place to attract foreign mining investments even to the detriment of the resources the department is mandated to protect and preserve. Allegedly, his views are in accordance with Malacanang's framework of development that massive corporate mining is a key solution to our economic problems and fiscal woes.

We have nothing against economic development. What we are against is the framework of development that puts profits over people's well-being. What we question is a framework of development propelled by the wheels of commerce instead of the principles of human rights.

Under Sec. Defensor's watch, the DENR has openly advocated this kind of development framework. Instead of being concerned with environmental protection and conservation of natural resources he has been blatantly espousing the interest of mining corporations.

He authorized the renewed mining operations in Cordillera, Manicani Island, and La Bugal in Mindanao in spite of the continued appeals from its residents.

Currently, mining rights applications cover approximately 12.2 million hectares or 40.65% of the country's total land area, whether through the FTAA (Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement), MPSA (Mineral Production Sharing Agreement) or EPA (Exploration Permit Agreement).

Distinguished members of the Committee, our country is not for sale. The mining issue is a national issue. It is a matter of Filipino people's control and wise utilization of the country's mineral wealth, their defense over their territories, their lives. In addition, it is an issue concerning respect of the rights of indigenous peoples.

Economic progress without taking into consideration our sovereignty and the sustainability of our natural resources will only benefit the mining companies. Their interest is reaping profits while we sink deeper into the mire of poverty and national ignominy. There can only be genuine development if the government puts the rights of its people first before profits. There can only be progress if an appointed secretary of the DENR truly respects and honours its mandate. That is, THE PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION OF OUR NATURAL RESOURCES .

(For comments and suggestions, please email ianseruelo@yahoo.com or send SMS to 0919-348-6337.)