Foreign chambers apologize to senators

MANILA, Philippines - Members of the Joint Foreign Chambers on Friday apologized to senators for interfering in the legislative process by directly writing to the President expressing opposition to the amendments of Republic Act No. 9136. RA 9136 or the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 is intended to lower power rates in the country, the second highest in Asia. "Let us assure you that there was no offense meant," said Hubert D’ Aboville, president of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. who appeared to be the spokesperson of the group. The inquiry stemmed from the group’s letter to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo dated May 27, warning that amending the EPIRA will have "negative consequences" and "will result in a highly unstable legal framework for the industry and investors." The group added, "Many of the unwarranted accusations being raised by legislators and government-owned corporations appear to be questioning bedrock principles that are sound and, in fact, practiced by many progressive power industries around the world." Although Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, chairman of the sub-committee on EPIRA amendments who introduced changes in the law, repeatedly asked the group who the legislators they were referring to in the letter were, Mr. D’ Aboville evaded the question by discussing other issues that drew the ire of the veteran lawmaker. "Why did you direct your letter to the executive department instead of going through Congress? Who are these legislators who made unwarranted accusations?" Mr. Enrile asked the group. "We want to know who these legislators are so that we can discipline them." No reply was made by the group. When asked by senators what specific provisions in the EPIRA amendments the group opposed, Mr. D’ Aboville said, "We believe it is premature to amend the EPIRA at this time...We don’t want to shake the boat now. We will reach our goal [open access] within the year. "We think that we are so close to achieve open access. To amend [the law] today would give a wrong signal internationally to people who are investing or who may be investing," he added. But committee chair Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago said it was the prerogative of Congress to amend or repeal ineffective laws. "We are not concerned with the welfare of foreign investors in that way. Our highest concern is the welfare of the Filipino consumer," she said. Senate Bill No. 2121, pending debates in plenary, seeks to amend the EPIRA by removing stranded debts or the unpaid financial obligations of state-owned National Power Corp. under various contracts with independent power producers, which are being passed on to consumers. — Bernard U. Allauigan, BusinessWorld