The Sangguniang Bayan of Roxas, Oriental Mindoro has passed Resolution No. 537 calling for a Congressional inquiry into the “exorbitant” electricity rates and frequent power outages plaguing the province.

The resolution, adopted recently, requests Oriental Mindoro Representatives Arnan C. Panaligan and Alfonso V. Umali Jr. to initiate an investigation into the Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative, Inc. (ORMECO).

The resolution was passed during the 99th regular session of the 11th Sangguniang Bayan of Roxas, presided over by Acting Municipal Vice Mayor Robert S. Quiatchon. Present at the session were Councilors Lucille T. Bacay, Juan Rafael M. Talens, King Philip B. Dimapilis, Robert A. Baticos, Veil Charlleo B. Cusi, Marietta R. Pajila, and Sheikmah Grace C. Sanz, who is also the MSKF President. Councilor John John S. Yason was absent, while Councilor Hermis S. Catapang, President of the Liga ng Barangay, was noted under Official Business.

ORMECO, the sole power distributor for Oriental Mindoro, serves the City of Calapan and 14 municipalities.

However, residents and businesses have been experiencing inconvenience due to frequent brownouts, causing damage to appliances and industrial machines, as well as substantial financial losses.

The resolution cites a “sudden surge in electricity rates by almost P3/kwh” as an additional burden on consumers already struggling with poor service. This price hike has particularly impacted ordinary Mindoreño families, who are burdened with meager incomes and high prices of goods, the council said.

Councilor Lucille T. Bacay motioned for the resolution, which was unanimously seconded. The council expressed strong belief that their representatives will “exercise their authority for the betterment of every Mindoreño and find a better solution to this many long years problem of power supply in the province.”

The resolution aims to address both the quality and cost of electrical service in Oriental Mindoro, seeking relief for households, businesses, and essential services affected by the ongoing power issues. Copies of the resolution will be sent to Representatives Panaligan and Umali for their consideration and action.

The Resolution by the Roxas council reveals the growing frustration with ORMECO’s service and the urgent need for intervention to improve the province’s power situation.

The resolution was certified correct by Ferdinand V. Talens, MPA, Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan, and attested by Robert S. Quiatchon, Acting Municipal Vice Mayor.