SP probe on power substation still hangs
Iloilo -- The supposed Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) probe on the controversial Capitol power substation has not yet taken first base after it was shelved about two months ago on questions of technicality.
In a statement, Vice Governor Roberto Armada decried the continued project delay while saying that the investigation as sought before the Iloilo SP is now most needed and best heeded by the administration board members.
Armada who sits as the presiding chair is identified with the minority bloc even as he stressed that he maintains an open mind on the power substation probe and all other issues hurled against the administration of Governor Niel Tupas.
He remains optimistic though, he told The News Today, that resolution will be reached on the matter and that in the end, the over P13 million in power substation government funding will be put into good use.
What is not acceptable, the Vice Governor added, is the millions in unrealized gains for the Ilonggo community alongside unanswered questions thrown at the project proponents.
To recall, First District Board Member Bernardo Silla exposed the power substation delay and raised questions on the regularity, legality and propriety of the process employed to secure the project. The SP then convened as a Committee of the Whole yet even before the investigation could start, members of the administration bloc the effort and established new set of rules.
After years of having the Vice Governor as chairman of the said committee, the latest amendments as pushed by administration board members would allow them to choose a new chairman as the majority would please.
Meantime, conservation measures are up and strengthened throughout the Capitol. In a memorandum, Governor Tupas made official his order to reduce use of air conditioning system and lights in the building. As such, expect that afternoons at the Capitol building are less cool particularly beyond 3:30 p.m. And there will also be less lights to be utilized during regular working hours. Instead, the window blinds will give way to sunlight as hallway lights will also be turned off. And continued minimized use of the elevators will be strictly adhered.
"Use the stairs. It is good for the heart," the reminder as posted by the elevator door stated. Good for the Capitol electric bill too.