Senate postpones NGCP hearing as company president ‘unwell’
THE SENATE Energy Committee deferred probe on the alleged anomalies in the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) after its President, who was feeling “unwell,” skipped Tuesday’s hearing. Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian, who chairs the panel, had asked NGCP President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony L. Almeda to submit a medical certificate as proof of his absence. NGCP Spokesperson Cynthia P. Alabanza explained Mr. Almeda intended to attend the meeting, but was advised to go to the hospital after “feeling unwell” since Monday afternoon. Mr. Gatchalian intends to ask Mr. Almeda on the committee’s findings that almost 35 foreign nationals hold positions in the NGCP, 11 of which are at management level. The senator also intends to consult the Department of Energy as well as compel the National Security Council to conduct its own audit on the grid system. — Charmaine A. Tadalan
President’s Boracay trip set Thursday
PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. Duterte’s Boracay trip, which was originally announced as a kick-off event for his tour around the Philippines to promote domestic tourism amid the new coronavirus spread, will push through on Thursday, his spokesman confirmed Tuesday. However, the visit will primarily be for the distribution of land certificates to agrarian reform beneficiaries, Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said. “There’s a schedule in the distribution of land certificates on Thursday afternoon… I don’t think he will go around,” Mr. Panelo said. — Gillian M. Cortez
House to continue work after March 13 adjournment to help with COVID-19 threat
THE HOUSE of Representatives will continue to work after the adjournment on March 13 to help address the coronavirus disease 2019 spread and impact. “So Congress will be working despite the break in the next five weeks. The Majority Leader has assured me that the committees will continue to function but we want to do it executive-legislative,” House Speaker Alan Peter S. Cayetano told reporters on Tuesday. He said they will focus on preventive measures, response plan on the possible loss of livelihood, and economic stimulus. He added that he intends to involve the private sector in the national efforts against COVID-19. “We want to involve not only the executive and legislative but the private sector. So this will include also for example, asking our banks what they can do regarding interest rates sa (on) loan sa (for) small businesses,” he said. — Genshen L. Espedido
