Leave the electric poles alone

What appears to be simply a legal tussle between two giants, the Dagupan City government and the Dagupan Electric Corporation over the payment of real property tax by the latter is actually a Damocles’ sword hanging over the heads of all Decorp customers. This is a legal war whose only victims will be the consumers, not any of the city government officials, not the top brass of Decorp. 

One can understand and appreciate the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Dagupan City government to raise funds for its cash-strapped operations. By all means, let those who earn from their franchises to operate public utilities be made to share their profits with the government to help cover costs of governance.

As things stand, the Decorp management has already indicated it will not offer any resistance once the court rules on the issue, whether or not electric poles can be covered by real property tax. If the court decides in favor of the city government, Decorp says it will comply and will pass on the costs to the consumers!

So to tax the Decorp for its electric poles at this time when electric costs are already one of the highest in the world and particularly when the city government never felt it had to in the past, is grossly insensitive over the plight of electric consumers in the city and neighboring towns. 

Now, if the city government believes it can prevent Decorp from passing on the RPT to the consumers, then it should merrily proceed with its agenda. But if it cannot, then it should stop in its tracks and the geniuses who thought it’s a bright idea to impose RPT on poles should have their heads electrocuted.

But lost in the legal arguments of the two camps is the fact that city officials are desperate to shore revenues in the face of an imminent budget deficit. This being the case, why not begin by exacting rigid measures to stop the graft and corruption that continues to beset its operations. The city government should look into how monies are being spent and make those who pocketed these be finally made accountable legally. But apparently, these same officials are afraid to even think of it.

As we see it, the Lim administration now wants the Dagupeños to cough up more for their unabated corrupt practices by making residents pay more via Decorp billings.

We may be wrong and   the city officials really want to impress upon the populace that it means well.  If so, then what it should do instead is to seek reduction of electric bills by investigating the various items being added to the monthly bills of consumers outside of actual consumption.

       Meanwhile, leave those electric poles alone.

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments