Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has called on the Department of Energy (DOE) to create monitoring systems that would guarantee that participants to the Interruptible Load Program will abide by their obligations under the ILP which seeks to head off an energy crisis during the summer months. Belmonte also asked power producers to “behave responsibly” while a huge part of Luzon braces for the impending power shortage. Belmonte said the power sector should refrain from implementing unscheduled shut down of power plants that would further aggravate the energy problem. “The power industry must not make matters worse by arbitrarily shutting down power plants whose maintenance can be rescheduled after the March to July critical period,” the House leader said. Belmonte issued these concerns in the wake of reports that government measures to address the energy crisis are now being set in place. (Ben R. Rosario)
EX-SOLON APPEALS DETENTION
Former Associate of the Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC) party list Rep. Edgar Valdez appealed anew to the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division that he be detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) headquarters in Camp Crame instead of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City following his admission at the PNP General Hospital for hypertension. The Sandiganbayan last Monday ordered Valdez’s detention at Camp Bagong Diwa after turning down his earlier urgent motion that sought he be detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame. In the meantime, the anti-graft court allowed him to stay at the PNP General Hospital until his condition improves. After surrendering to police last February 24, Valdez, who is charged with one count of the non-bailable plunder offense and seven counts graft in connection with the pork barrel scam, was brought and detained at the Sandiganbayan the following day to await his commitment order. (Jeffrey G. Damicog)
NEW AFP SPOKESMAN
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr. has designated a veteran rebel hunter who now heads the AFP Civil Relations Service (CRS) as the new AFP spokesman. Brig. Gen. Joselito E. Kakilala will assume his second post as spokesperson for the AFP effective Thursday, Mar. 6. He will replace the Col. Restituto Padilla.
Kakilala, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1984, was head of the AFP Strategic Studies and Strategy Management prior to his appointment as CRS commander.
“Brig. Gen. Kakilala earned a reputation characterized by successful stints in combat and administrative leadership and academic excellence. He had also previously served in the CRS as its Chief of Staff, providing him with the wealth of experience needed by a Commander,” the AFP chief said. (Elena L. Aben)
DPWH PERFORMANCE AUDIT
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said yesterday that the performance of its accredited 2,327 field engineers is being closely monitored to ensure the quality of infrastructure projects across the country. DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson ordered the Accreditation Committee for Field Engineers to assess those who are “capable or in need of improvement in their technical knowledge.” “Evaluation process is ongoing to determine their performance,” he said. The committee, headed by DPWH Assistant Secretary Gilberto Reyes, is composed of Vice Chairman Walter Ocampo, director of the Bureau of Construction; with Bureau of Quality and Safety officer-in-charge Medmier Malig, Project Director Virgilio Castillo, and District Engineer Ramon Devanadera as members. DPWH’s committee uses an approved set of performance criteria in their evaluation. It also plans and ensures the implementation of a comprehensive training program for field engineers. (Raymund F. Antonio)
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