POWER OPTIONS
President Arroyo it seems is keeping an open mind on the option of using nuclear energy.
Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes told reporters that he presented the controversial proposal as part of many other options the government can pursue in order to avert a feared power crisis, that based on their estimate, may start by the year 2009.
But Malacanang (mindful of how controversial the option is and how much flak they will get if they give all out support for it) quickly clarified that the President’s decision to allow the Energy Department to study the nuclear energy option doesn’t mean that she’s all for it.
In fact, Reyes himself wasn’t confident and comfortable to vouch for the President’s “exact” reaction to the proposal. He made sure he told reporters (especially the palace lady reporter who asked him about the issue) “not to place the President in a tough situation/hot spot and that all issues about the proposal should be reflected on him and his team lang”. Sabi nga ng isang reporter: “ingat na ingat”
Secretary Reyes said the Energy department will look at the possibility of developing nuclear energy, despite the fact that the country’s first nuclear reactor, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant has never been operational.
He said he expects the criticisms he’ll get with the proposal, but notes that we should re-examine the option especially now that other Asian countries are developing their nuclear energy programs.
Other options include the use of Jathropa for biofuels and the usage of energy from the sun (solar).
The options were discussed in the Energy Command Conference held at the PNOC EDC compound in Taguig.
The President’s marching orders to her officials?
Find ways to hasten the the privatization of the government’s power assets and the lowering of electricity costs.
And just like his predecessors…
Reyes vowed to finalize the privatization of government assets before the end of the year.
They are expecting to earn 6-7 billion dollars from these assets.
These assets include the Calaca coal-fired power plan, the Palimpinon geothermal plant, the Binga hydro electric plant, the Ambuclao hydro power plant and the National Transmission Corporation assets.
The energy command conference started and ended with really joyful sounding “live” singing by the department’s choir. They sang festive pinoy songs wearing native outfits. And they sang with such gusto! And they didn’t sing in one corner, the concept was to surround the President and the other guests while they performed. We almost forgot that they came to work today for the lone purpose of singing to the President. Remember, today, Monday’s a holiday. The President thanked them all of them for being there despite the fact that, well, they shouldn’t be there at nagpapahinga lang dapat sa bahay. Sabagay, the energy issue is an important issue.
But hey, what’s the big question this morning?
This: “How did Secretary Angelo Reyes fare on his new post in a very important gathering?”
I heard some say that it’s good that Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, DTI Secretary Peter Favila, Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr and the staff of the DOE were present during the affair (especially during the Q and A portion with the media) to give support to Reyes who just occupied his Nth cabinet portfolio.
The coaching by these people of Reyes wasn’t subtle enough to escape the observant eyes of the reporters who were there. Pasensya na pero halata po kasi talaga. Good thing Reyes, he who has military background, sounded authoritative when he leads in and intros the one who will answer the question. He sounded in command at least. Sabi ng katabi ko, parang mga sundalo kausap eh.
But yes, if the question is if Reyes is interested enough on his new post, then the answer is, he looked sincerely interested (in all fairness). A “passion” to be part of the President’s official family’s also evident.
He clearly knows the importance of being earnest amidst all the doubts, huh?
Here’s the report (aired August 20, 2007)
Nutcracker: The Motion Picture release
SENTRO 9:30pm M-F (ABC 5)
