Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. is considering filing a class suit against the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and other power firms responsible for the recent widespread power outage in Western Visayas.
“A class suit is an option because damage has been caused to our people. We can file a class suit under the civil code, indi lang the power laws, but unay ina sa civil code,” Defensor said in a media interview on Monday, Jan. 8.
The governor will attend hearings on the four-day power outage. The Senate inquiry is set on Jan. 10 while the House inquirer is on Jan. 11.
In its official statement, NGCP said the unscheduled maintenance shutdowns of the largest power plants in Panay Island was the primary cause of the power outage that lasted for four days from Jan. 2.
The country’s sole power grid operator reiterated its call for a whole-of-industry approach to resolve the power supply problems in the region.
“We emphasize the need for improved planning to ensure sufficient generation per island, with a well-balanced mix of fuels and technology,” NGCP said.IMT
