Newly-formed group pressures city gov't to pay P200-M bill to Ceneco
BACOLOD CITY -- A newly-formed consumers group launched yesterday a massive protest against the administration of Mayor Evelio Leonardia for its plant to connect the soon to be finished New Government Center directly National Power Corporation (Napocor) and National Transmission Corp. (Transco).
Called Ceneco Alliance of Lifeline Consumer's of Bacolod City (Call-Bacolod), the group headed by Arnel Mondejar demanded Central Negros Electric Cooperative Inc. (Ceneco) to pressure the City to pay the previous billing of P200 million and moved for disconnection if the local government refuses to do so.
They also demanded that the Ceneco Board of Directors petition the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) not to grant the city government Prompt Payment Incentive for not paying promptly their current billing.
However, Mayor Leonardia calls the move as malicious and politically motivated because behind it were individuals who are being used by his opponent to destroy his image and his administration.
The group gathered in front of Ceneco Office to express their sentiments and grievances against the City Government for the proposed electrical connection to the New Government Center.
Mayor Leonardia who celebrated yesterday his 56th Birthday at Palmas Del Mar wished for the speedy transfer of City Hall to the New Government Center. However, Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson is very apprehensive that the transfer would be delayed since the New Government Center has not yet procured furnitures and fixtures to be used by the Offices. The Sangguniang Panlungsod has already passed P50 million appropriation ordinance for the procurement of Furnitures but the Bids and Awards Committee awaits the purchase request from various offices that are in dire need of these facilities.