More on Loren returning to the Senate

By Herbert Vego

 

IN a recent column, I echoed the unverified rumor that Congresswoman Loren Legarda wants to go back to the Senate without “abandoning” her Antique turf. Oh, oh, could somebody else legally run for congressman on her behalf?

To say that her brother Antonio – if I heard his name right – would win her to-be-vacated post is not that easy.  While he could claim to be a native of Pandan town as Loren did, his name does not ring a bell. A tidbit we know about him is that he works for a giant corporation.

On the other hand, Antiqueño lawyer Cornelio “Kune” Aldon might take it as a long-awaited opportunity to fulfill his gubernatorial ambition, according to our political analyst Jose Escartin. It could depend on “favorable unfolding circumstances.”

Well, there is no doubt that, so far, Kune has the advantage of political experience. One recalls that he put up a close fight but lost to Exequiel “Boy Ex” Javier for governor in 2013.

However, his running mate for vice-governor, Rhodora “Dodod” Cadiao, won. She is now the governor. Being now an ally of the senator, she is not expected to reconcile with him.

Methinks that if it’s former Governor Salvacion “Sally” Zaldivar Perez whom Loren would “anoint” instead of her brother, Kune might just back off. But then…

“I have no more intention of going back to politics,” Perez told me on the phone. She added that Loren had not yet made up her mind on giving up her congressional seat.

I asked Joe Escartin for his opinion on the possibility of Kune besting the congresswoman’s brother.

“Kune has better chances,” Joe opined, judging by his performance against Javier. “But there’s a way for both to unite and win against weaker contenders. That is, if Loren passes a law dividing Antique into two legislative districts.”

Incidentally, that is what Kune wants to legislate if he runs for congressman and wins. It’s indeed awkward that Antique has only one representative while already having two sets of Sangguniang Panlalawigan members representing the North and the South.

Teka muna, the  “barkers” might not be happy seeing their bets running unopposed. Wala kuno “da-thrill,” whatever that means.

On second thought, let us not discount the possibility of one of the Javiers re-running.  And that could be the most valid reason for Kune and Tonying to unite.

Don’t you agree, Roger, Wilson, and Pol?

 

LOVE MONTH, MORE MONTH

THE love month of February is not just for lovers; it’s also the month of significance to MORE Electric and Power Corp. (MORE Power)  as the new power-distribution utility in Iloilo City.

During an interview with the hosts of “Tribuna sang Banwa” on Aksyon Radyo last Sunday, MORE spokesman Jonathan Cabrera waxed enthusiastic over three dates in February –  the 14^th (Valentine’s Day), the 28^th and the 29^th.

It was on Feb. 14, 2019 when President Duterte signed into law the 25-year  franchise granted by Congress to MORE Power (RA 11212). But it did not immediately  become executory  because of pending court cases filed by outgoing franchisee Panay Electric Co. (PECO) questioning the constitutionality of expropriating the latter’s facilities in exchange for 481 million pesos.

Exactly one year and two weeks later on Feb. 28, 2020, the city sheriff served PECO the court-issued writ of possession that flashed the green light for MORE Power to take over the power distribution system.

On Feb. 29, 2020, MORE officially took over.  By then, the company had absorbed more than 50 of PECO’s technical personnel.

The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled in favor of MORE’s takeover of the operations and assets of PECO, thus reversing the judgment of the Regional Trial Court of Mandaluyong City Branch 209 declaring the law unconstitutional.

“Come Feb. 13,” Cabrera announced the company’s anniversary activities, “we at MORE would be releasing 730 fingerlings into the Iloilo River in cooperation with City Hall.  The 14^th will be a bloodletting day.  On the 28^th, we would be organizing the ‘Bike for a Cause’ that would entitle registered participants to tour our bike lanes. Proceeds will fund the beautification of the bike lanes and purchase of flower pots.”

Cabrera also enumerated the one-year accomplishments of MORE Power under the dynamic leadership of President Roel Z. Castro, such as reduction of power bills, rehabilitation and repair of power lines, complete preventive maintenance of five substations, installation of a 10-MVA mobile substation at the Megaworld area, and dismantling of “jumpers” or illegal connections.

MORE Power has now a base of more than 70,000 paying customers, including previous pilferers who have availed themselves of cheaper low-load installations.

The company has a budget of PHP P1.9 billion for its three-year modernization program.

More power to MORE Power!