Tulfo Presses ORMECO During Senate Hearing

Senate Committee on Energy Chair Sen. Erwin Tulfo sharply questioned officials of the Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (ORMECO) during a Senate hearing, criticizing what he described as poor electricity service in the province.

During the hearing, Tulfo expressed frustration over recurring power interruptions and complaints from residents.

He remarked:

"Sinusuka na kayo ng mga taga-Oriental Mindoro."

The senator added that many consumers continue to experience frequent brownouts despite paying for electric service.

"Laging Brownout, Mataas Pa ang Singil"

Tulfo also criticized what he described as the cooperative's continuing service problems.

He said:

"Laging brownout na, laging mataas pa sumingil. Hindi na nahiya, Diyos ko po!"

According to the senator, several companies have reportedly expressed interest in supplying electricity to Oriental Mindoro, yet consumers continue to face recurring service issues.

His statements reflected complaints that have long been raised by some residents regarding power reliability in the province.

NEA Confirms Government Subsidy

During the same hearing, a representative of the National Electrification Administration (NEA) confirmed that ORMECO receives government subsidies because it operates in an off-grid area.

Off-grid electric systems generally face higher operational costs due to their dependence on isolated generation facilities rather than connection to the country's main power grid.

Government subsidies are intended to help reduce electricity costs and support continued service in these areas.

Calls for Better Service

The hearing also highlighted broader concerns over the quality, reliability, and affordability of electricity service in off-grid provinces.

Lawmakers emphasized that consumers expect dependable power supply, especially when public funds are being used to support electric cooperatives.

The discussion may lead to further reviews of ORMECO's operations and possible measures aimed at improving service delivery.

Final Thoughts

The Senate hearing underscored ongoing concerns about electricity service in Oriental Mindoro.

As lawmakers continue to examine the issue, residents are hoping for practical solutions that will reduce brownouts, improve service reliability, and ensure that government support translates into better outcomes for consumers.

Bible Reflection

"Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream." — Amos 5:24 (NIV)

Reliable public services are essential to the well-being of communities. Accountability, transparency, and responsible stewardship of public resources help build trust and ensure that people receive the services they depend on.

Sotto Dinepensahan si Lacson: Natural Lang na Pumalag ang Chairman sa Mga Batikos

Senate Circus

March 13, 2026•1 min read

Dinepensahan ni Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III si Senador Panfilo “Ping” Lacson matapos ang naging tensyon sa pagitan nito at ni Senador Rodante Marcoleta kasunod ng mga privilege speech sa Senado.

Sa ginanap na Kapihan sa Manila Bay, ipinaliwanag ni Sotto na natural lamang na sumagot o pumalag si Lacson kung patuloy itong binabatikos.

Ayon sa Senate leader, bilang chairman ng komiteng tinutukoy sa usapin, may responsibilidad si Lacson na ipagtanggol ang kanyang posisyon at ang direksyon ng imbestigasyon.

Ani Sotto:

“Kung bibira-birahin mo ’yung chairman, aba’y papalag ’yun.”

Nag-ugat ang tensyon matapos punahin ni Senador Marcoleta ang umano’y pagkakasunod ng privilege speeches sa sesyon ng Senado. Ayon sa kanya, inilagay umano sa bungad ang talumpati ni Lacson habang nasa bandang dulo naman ang kanyang privilege speech.

Nauna nang nilinaw ni Sotto na walang naganap na “VIP treatment” para kay Lacson. Ayon sa kanya, ang pagkakaayos ng mga privilege speech ay nakabatay lamang sa daloy ng sesyon at hindi sa anumang espesyal na pribilehiyo.

Ang naturang usapin ay naging bahagi ng mas malawak na diskusyon sa Senado tungkol sa mga imbestigasyon ng mga komite at sa paraan ng pagtalakay sa mga isyu sa plenary session.

Politikanta Insight

Sa Senado, ang bawat privilege speech ay parang isang spark na maaaring magliyab ng mas malaking debate.

Ngunit sa gitna ng palitan ng batikos at depensa, may isang tanong na paulit-ulit na bumabalik sa isipan ng publiko:

Ang mga debate ba ay humahantong sa tunay na solusyon—o nananatili lamang sa palitan ng salita?

Sa dulo ng lahat ng talakayan, ang inaasahan ng mamamayan ay hindi lamang matinding argumento…

kundi malinaw na katotohanan at pananagutan.

📖 BIBLE VERSE

“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.”
— Proverbs 14:29 (KJV)