Government agencies and the private sector are coordinating closely to ensure a stable power supply during the May 12, midterm elections, Malacañang said Tuesday.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Energy (DOE) and other government agencies and private sector partners are taking proactive steps to guarantee uninterrupted electricity throughout the electoral process.
“Mahalagang masiguro ang maayos na daloy ng kuryente para maprotektahan ang publiko at mapanatili ang katatagan ng national grid ngayong halalan,” Castro said.
The Palace Press Officer said the DOE has directed the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), National Electrification Administration (NEA), electric cooperatives, and private distribution utilities to clear any structures obstructing power lines promptly.
“Kabilang dito ang mga ilegal na campaign material at iba pang mga istrukturang posibleng magdulot ng panganib sa kaligtasan at sa tuloy-tuloy na suplay ng kuryente,” Castro stressed.
The DOE is coordinating closely with local government units (LGUs) and the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Special Task Force Baklas to swiftly and safely remove such obstructions.
Castro said the DOE responded to reports from the Comelec regarding the widespread illegal practice of putting campaign materials on electrical poles and power lines.
“Hindi lamang paglabag sa election rules kundi malaking panganib din sa kaligtasan at operasyon ng ating power system,” she stressed.
The DOE initiative aligns with Republic Act No. 11361, or the Anti-Obstruction of Power Lines Act, which seeks to protect power lines and related facilities from hazards.
Earlier, the DOE-led Energy Task Force on Election (ETFE) assured the public of an uninterrupted power supply nationwide during voting, transmission, and canvassing.
The ETFE, a multi-agency body led by the DOE, works closely with the Comelec, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Fire Protection to ensure smooth and credible elections. | PND
