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News Vote 2013

Albay candidates urged to reject energy privatization

By REYNARD MAGTOTO

Politicians must speak up, make a stand against energy privatization in Albay, a group said during a protest on April 15 in Legazpi. Photo by REYNARD MAGTOTO
Politicians must speak up, make a stand against energy privatization in Albay, a group said during a protest on April 15 in Legazpi. Photo by REYNARD MAGTOTO

LEGAZPI City —Despite the recent uproar over the energy privatization in Albay, candidates have refused to join the fray and remain mum on the issue.

On April 15, the National Electrification Administration (NEA) decided to finally privatize the bankrupt Albay Electric Cooperative (Aleco), the country’s second biggest electric cooperative.

Stakeholders in Albay have been protesting against such a move, claiming that privatizing the cooperative would further jack up electricity prices.

During Monday’s protests, the Aleco Multi-Sectoral Stakeholders Organization (Amsso) sought the politicians’ support to not allow corporations to take control of the province’s energy sector.

Two giant firms, Aboitiz and San Miguel Energy Corp., were invited to the pre-bid conferencelast Monday. The winner will be announced on May 27.

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