(Taguig City).  "We have enough energy supply for the synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on 14 May."

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi gave this assurance as the Department of Energy (DOE) on Friday (4 May 2018) convened the Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER) to discuss plans to deal with the possible contingencies during the local elections.

Members of the TFER include the DOE, National Electrification Administration, National Power Corporation, National Transmission Corporation, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, Philippine National Oil Company and Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation. 

The TFER also invited to  the meeting the national security group which included the National Security Council, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Coast Guard.

DOE Undersecretary Jesus Cristino P. Posadas emphasized that “adequate and uninterrupted supply of energy is a very crucial function of the government during the election period.”

“As this is a national concern, the DOE, together with the members of the Task Force on Energy Resiliency, fully supports the Duterte Administration in achieving its goal to hold free, orderly, honest, peaceful and credible elections,” Posadas said.

Posadas added that close coordination among concerned government agencies is needed to implement the measures to minimize, if not prevent, any disruptions when Filipinos cast their votes on 14 May.

The DOE will issue a Department Circular that will create an Energy Task Force composed of the energy family, stakeholders and the security group to ensure adequate and reliable energy supply for the polls.

On Monday, May 7, the Energy Team will also attend the Commission on Elections’ command conference with various national government agencies in preparation for the political exercise.

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