Mindanao energy crisis: the result of age-old neglect

Why is President Aquino not addressing the Mindanao energy crisis head on? As early as 2010, there were already signs of a forthcoming energy crisis. What were the actions taken? Heads must roll. There must be an independent audit of all the power sources of Mindanao.

The other two principal island groups of the Philippines—Luzon and the Visayas—have excess energy power. Mindanao is in the middle of a debilitating power shortage, the inevitable consequence of years of discrimination and neglect.

Worst of all, the energy crisis appears to be manipulated, and there is now a plan to sell the hydroelectric plants. New coal power plants are under construction. And then there is Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras having served as treasurer of Aboitiz and Co. and Aboitiz Equity Ventures; and there is also the presence of diesel-powered private barges. Over and above all these, Almendras and President Aquino are singing the same tune: The people of Mindanao have to shoulder the higher cost of power. Are these not very obvious plots to satisfy unbridled capital greed?

If the people of Mindanao are frustrated and dismayed, there’s no one to blame for the unconscionable neglect but Malacañang. Sadly, this kind of treatment of the people of Mindanao has been going on for decades.

—V. EMMANUEL C. FONTANILLA,

3/F Gonzales Bldg., Pioneer Avenue,

General Santos City