As the Philippines braces for the onset of La Niña, a group of lawmakers have called for a comprehensive review of the national power situation.
Rep. Jefferson Khonghun of Zambales expressed serious concerns about the potential effects of widespread power outages, and questioned the preparedness of power companies to ensure a stable supply of electricity.
Khonghun stressed that an immediate action is needed. “La Niña is not just a weather event; it is a potential disruptor of daily life and economic activities. We cannot afford to wait until it strikes to realize that we are unprepared. The power companies must assure us that they have contingency plans in place.”
“Our energy infrastructure has to be resilient. Any weakness in our power grid could lead to severe consequences for our people and the economy,” Khonghun said.
Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur echoed the same sentiments even as he highlighted the critical need for reliable electricity during such times.
“Our constituents rely heavily on consistent power supply for their day-to-day needs and safety. Any lapse could have dire consequences. We need transparency and proactive measures from our power providers to mitigate any risks associated with La Niña,” Alonto said.
“It is the duty of power companies to provide clear communication and updates to the public, ensuring that everyone is adequately prepared,” he added.
Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez of 1-Rider party-list group expressed his apprehensions about the current state of the power infrastructure.
“The infrastructure must be robust enough to withstand the challenges posed by La Niña. This includes not just the capacity to generate electricity, but also the resilience of our transmission and distribution networks,” Gutierrez said.
“We need a thorough assessment of our current capabilities and immediate action to address any identified gaps,” he added.
Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega of La Union, for his part, called for collaboration between the government and private sector. “It is imperative that both the government and power companies work hand in hand to ensure that every Filipino household has access to electricity throughout this period. We need coordinated efforts and clear communication channels,” Ortega said.
“The collaboration should extend to creating and implementing long-term strategies that enhance our energy security and sustainability,” he added.
