Department of Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes slammed critics who are accusing the energy sector of planning to sabotage the 2010 elections.
“This is purely speculation; it is unfair to charge people in the energy sector that we would deliberately sabotage the election,” Reyes said during the Energy Investors Conference held in Davao City last Thursday.
He said that like most people, they would like to see the election go as smoothly as possible. Reyes said the election and power issue had been raised during a public hearing but he denied recommending anything to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo yet.
Reyes was referring to the energy emergency power that was supposedly suggested to the president. He said that in case of emergencies related to power, they follow a contingency plan and Section 71 of the IPIRA law which provides that in case of a power shortage the president may approve such powers as may be necessary to remedy the situation.
“However, the president can only call for such emergency powers when it has been approved by Congress, both the lower and upper houses, and only within the parameters set by Congress,’ he said.
The one who is really in control when it comes to the declaration of emergency powers is Congress.
Reyes refused to reveal any other information about his recommendation to the president until he has talked with her and has presented it to her.
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