RCF, IBP to push through with class suit vs INEC FORMER Laoag City Mayor Roger C. Fariñas announced that the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Ilocos Norte chapter, the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and some other concerned member-consumers have decided that they would continue with the planned class suit against the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative. Fariñas added that Northwind Power Corp. may be included in the class suit but this would depend on the final decision of IBP-Ilocos Norte Pres. Mariano Nalupta, Atty. Johnny Hernandez and other legal counsels of their group. The class suit stemmed from the abrupt and steep power rate increase implemented by INEC starting May this year. The Ilocos Times also learned that INEC officials or any representative was unable to attend the third open forum and dialogue between the power distribution utility and consumers held August 22 at the Laoag City Auditorium. Northwind officials, who were also unable to attend the two prior dialogues, however were able to attend the third forum. The said forum pushed through even with the absence of INEC officials as Northwind Vice Pres. Centeno explained their side, stressing that the wind farm has nothing to do with the abrupt power rate increase in the past few months. Fariñas however disputed this claim asserting that based on records, the power rate increase began when Northwind entered into an Energy Sales Agreement with INEC. Meanwhile, the former mayor also announced that the Ilocos Norte Consumers Watchdog Association will also be formed. According to Fariñas, League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)-Ilocos Norte chapter Pres. and Solsona Mayor Joseph de Lara has also promised to help to gather signatures from member-consumers from around the province for the class suit to be filed against INEC. Fariñas further explained that De Lara would also solicit the help of his fellow mayors. Reacting to this INEC board President Lorenzo Rey Ruiz explained that their failure to attend the third open forum was due to a hearing held at the Energy Regulatory Commission in Manila in line with Venvi Corp.’s request to source their power needs directly from the National Power Corp. Ruiz also stated that he is not in favor of the planned class suit against INEC since he personally does not want and the INEC as a whole to have a conflict with anybody. He also vowed that they would find some other ways to talk to those behind the class suit or sit down with them to further thresh out the issues. However he also stressed that INEC is ready for whatever circumstances they may face in the future. Dominic B. dela Cruz
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