Power crises and emergency ‘powers‘

The Philippines is experiencing decreasing supply of power due to decreasing water level in water dams. Some dams, i.e. Lanao, are about to close because of decreasing water levels. Key cities as Davao City, Cebu and Metro Manila have less incidence of brownout compare to poorer cities and Municipalities as most of the key industries are situated in this areas. With less rain during the summer season, a lot of industries and investments turn their options of purchasing generators to supply their clients‘ needs during brownout. But some small scale enterprises cannot afford to do so.

Now, there is a move urging the use of ‘emergency power‘ of the President to approve applications of other sources of energy like that of a Nuclear Power Plant. Pushing the National Grid Corporation to be more fair in its decision which settlements deserves to have more electricity than the other is another concern. Is this the ultimate solution to augment the country‘s power crisis? Who will benefit much of these proposal? Filipinos should keep in mind that during the MARCOS era, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant became a ‘white elephant‘ because of inconsistencies of its objectives. Was it to augment power crisis? Or benefit from WorldBank/IMF loans of which the Philippine government, especially the common people are still paying this ‘debt‘?

This challenge is greatly related to the success of the first automated national elections in May. Many Filipinos fear that a democratic Philippines remains a dream.