Iloilo City governor Arthur Defensor on Thursday, January 11, urged the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to rush the completion of the Cebu-Negros-Panay Transmission.
In an exclusive interview during DZRH Damdaming Bayan, Defensor said the widespread blackout that was experienced in the Western Visayas would reoccur if the NGCP's infrastructure was not finished immediately.
"Kung hindi mabibigyan ng solusyon, mangyayari ulit yun. Ngayon, we are attending the investigation at hinihintay din natin ang conclusion ng investigation," Defensor said.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., Iloilo: Itong malinaw sa atin. We will take legal report, to indicate the right to our people at mga taga Region VI.#DamdamingBayan#SamaSamaTayoPilipino
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) January 11, 2024
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The Iloilo City Governor said they were glad with the Department of Energy's recommendation during a Senate hearing as this was part of their calls.
"Ang importante sa amin, sa dulo ng investigation kahapon sa Senado, may malinaw na rekomendasyon ang DOE," he said.
"May 5 recommendation ang DOE. Una, the perfection of the protocols and the execution. #2, completion of vital infrastructure," Defensor added.
The defendant explained that phase 3 of the Cebu-Negros-Panay transmission line and other ancillary civil structures must be completed to strengthen the grid in the area.
Meanwhile, the defendant's camp is waiting for the result of the investigation launched by the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The Iloilo City Governor said the probe's findings would be their basis on their next steps to hold those responsible for the power outage accountable.
On January 2, residents in Western Visayas, particularly in Panay Island, Iloilo City, and Guimaras, were hit by the massive blackout that lasted for almost four days and resulted in 3.8 billion pesos in economic losses.
