Last week, the political dynasty-dominated House of Representatives passed on Third Reading what critics described as a watered-down version of a bill banning political dynasties. House Bill 8389 or the…
Category: Editorial
LWUA and water districts: so unlike NEA and electric cooperatives
With the delayed but badly needed intervention of Malacanang, the 60,000 or so member-consumer-owners of the First Catanduanes Elecric Cooperative, Inc. are thankful and relieved that the eight-hour rotational brownouts…
Napocor’s last-hour rescue mission
In a surprising turn of events, former Congressman Hector Sanchez’s company has gained a foothold in the local power industry after recently being disqualified from the EPSA 2 bidding. Last…
The tricky part of replacing suspended PBMs
Like kaingeros setting fire to wild vegetation in their mountainous farms, two agencies of the national government wielded its disciplinary power and gutted the Sangguniang Panlalawigan and the FICELCO Board…
On finding fault and doing better
Last Monday, a spokesperson for Sunwest Water & Electric Co. (SUWECO) deflected blame for the eight-hour rotational brownouts and unloaded it all on the electric cooperative for acting too late…
The Senate: a refuge of scoundrels and fugitives
Last Monday, both the House of Representatives and the Senate voted on separate but inextricably linked issues, a political drama that should enlighten voters two years before the 2028 national…
Capitol backtracks on Sanchez appointment
Two weeks ago, on April 22, 2026, Governor Patrick Alain T. Azanza quietly designated Supervising Administrative Officer Remelito S. Cabrera as officer-in-charge of the Provincial Human Resource and Development…
Is NPC prepared to take over SUWECO?
Last Monday, as the Tribune was being printed, the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) issued the first of probably many similar announcements: the Load Shedding Schedule. Citing insufficient power…
What is FICELCO doing with the expiring EPSA?
In exactly 23 days from today, April 22, 2026, the Emergency Power Supply Agreement (EPSA) between FICELCO and SUWECO expires. And the agreement’s expiration without a new EPSA in sight…
A juicy matter in the amended quarry ordinance
Last week, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, via a two-thirds vote, passed a resolution overriding the governor’s veto of an ordinance amending certain provisions of the Revised Quarry Ordinance. Based on the…