AN electrification improvement project in Camp Downes is in jeopardy of not being implemented because of the dispute between residents and army officials. This was learned at the meeting among officials and members of the homeowners’ association last July 14.
Maximo Torcende, Institutional Services Department manager of Leyte-V Electric Cooperative Inc. (Leyeco V) who is also a resident of Camp Downes bared that Department of Energy (DOE) has allotted more than P300,000 for electrification expansion at Purok 3 under Energy Regulation 1-94.
However, this may not be implemented after Camp Commander Lt. Col. Edgardo Batinga went to Engr. Torcende’s office to complain why Leyeco V provided electricity connection to the barangay residents. His complaint is also contained in a letter dated June 11, 2012 addressed to Leyeco V GM Engr. Juanito Jorda Jr. which partly reads:
“Please be informed that installation of electrical wiring connections made by your office in favor of the professional squatters inside Camp Jorge Downes Military Reservation violated the provision stated in Article 2, Section 5b of Republic Act No. 7279 which has a penalty of six (6) years imprisonment and a fine of P5,000 to P100,000.
“In this regard, we request removal of the said illegal wiring connections to correct the violations of law committed by your office.”
Engr. Torcende said he didn’t act on the army’s demand to disconnect the residents’ electrical connection, adding that the military camp should be disconnected first considering its unpaid back accounts. However, Leyeco V may stop additional electrical installations within the reservation. An applicant for electrical connection is required to present either a land title or, in the case of tenants, authorization from the landowner.
This also derails future electricity improvements in the neighborhood including the one programmed by the DOE at Purok 3. The money intended for the project will revert back to the national government as it cannot be used in other puroks being subject to audit.
(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of July 9-15, 2012)
Maximo Torcende, Institutional Services Department manager of Leyte-V Electric Cooperative Inc. (Leyeco V) who is also a resident of Camp Downes bared that Department of Energy (DOE) has allotted more than P300,000 for electrification expansion at Purok 3 under Energy Regulation 1-94.
However, this may not be implemented after Camp Commander Lt. Col. Edgardo Batinga went to Engr. Torcende’s office to complain why Leyeco V provided electricity connection to the barangay residents. His complaint is also contained in a letter dated June 11, 2012 addressed to Leyeco V GM Engr. Juanito Jorda Jr. which partly reads:
“Please be informed that installation of electrical wiring connections made by your office in favor of the professional squatters inside Camp Jorge Downes Military Reservation violated the provision stated in Article 2, Section 5b of Republic Act No. 7279 which has a penalty of six (6) years imprisonment and a fine of P5,000 to P100,000.
“In this regard, we request removal of the said illegal wiring connections to correct the violations of law committed by your office.”
Engr. Torcende said he didn’t act on the army’s demand to disconnect the residents’ electrical connection, adding that the military camp should be disconnected first considering its unpaid back accounts. However, Leyeco V may stop additional electrical installations within the reservation. An applicant for electrical connection is required to present either a land title or, in the case of tenants, authorization from the landowner.
This also derails future electricity improvements in the neighborhood including the one programmed by the DOE at Purok 3. The money intended for the project will revert back to the national government as it cannot be used in other puroks being subject to audit.
(West Leyte Weekly Express issue of July 9-15, 2012)
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