UNTOUCHABLE? Atty. Julius Cesar Peralta, chairman of the Board of Directors of Pangasinan Electric Cooperative (Panelco) III untouchable? He is always a no show every time he and his fellow Panelco III officials are invited to a Question Hour of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Last Monday, he again snubbed the provincial board’s invitation. Panelco’s OIC-general manager, Engr. Allan Casem explained that Peralta has a prior commitment that is equally important as the board’s concern.

Is Peralta afraid of the board’s grilling and questioning? He has a lot of explaining to do, not only to the provincial board but to the 150,000 consumers of Panelco III.

Now that this electric cooperative is in deep financial trouble for its whopping P400-million tax dues, the board fears it is on the brink of bankruptcy. But Peralta maintains his “dedma” (I don’t care) attitude.

But, aside from its Question Hour, often avoided by guilty parties invited to explain, what can the provincial board do to save Panelco III if its officials believe it is mismanaged?- Tita Roces

 

WISHING FOR FOI. A person in authority initially agreed to an interview on the unliquidated cash advances in the city by non-government organizations and officials a few weeks ago. But when the agreed date for interview came, the interviews were cancelled.

Reason? 1. More updates are being awaited. 2. The official went on leave (on the date of schedule). 3. An audit has been scheduled. Was the official simply avoiding the interview or she just doesn’t have a word of honor? How I wished the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act is already in place. – Hilda M. Austria

 

PROACTIVE ON HEALTH. I appreciate the proactive move of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the Provincial Health Office creating Task Force Ebola Virus. The task force will establish the protocol and procedure once a patient is suspected to have the virus and will closely monitor the situation for our peace of mind.

However, as one media colleague commented, creating the task force borders on OA, (over-acting) since there is no recorded case of the virus in the province or even in the country so far. Personally, I think being proactive is most of the time good. It minimizes the risks, the effects. It equips all concerned when finally confronted with the situation.

Besides, the issue of Ebola is really frightening, it being contagious and fatal with high mortality. Though the best armor is still prayer, it also helps to be really prepared. – Johanne R. Macob

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