GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Philippines (PIA) – National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) president and chief executive officer Henry T. Sy, Jr. expressed his gratitude to President Aquino for recognizing that the proposal of some local government units (LGUs) to tax transmission lines passing through their municipalities will adversely affect consumers.

In his State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) last July 25, Aquino stated that some municipalities were trying to impose tax on electricity transmission lines traversing their areas.

While the move may augment local funds, the President pointed out that this will only lead to higher electricity rates, which will then be shouldered by the Filipino people.

Sy welcomed the call of the President for LGUs to balance the interests of its constituencies and the nation as a whole.

“This shows that the Philippine government is keen on providing reasonable electricity rates for the country,” Sy said. “We are thankful for the efforts of President Aquino and the Department of Energy to champion the interest of the power consumers,” he added.

Sy said the NGCP shall continue to provide fair and reliable transmission services to its power consumers.

Among NGCP’s recently completed projects this year are the installation of power shunt reactors at Kadampat and San Jose Substations, the North Luzon Transmission Line Rehabilitation, the Northern Panay Backbone Transmission Project, and the Sangali-Zamboanga (Pitogo) 138-kiloVolt Transmission Line.

The NGCP remains committed to “the straight path” envisioned by the President and strongly supports Aquino’s advocacy towards efficient and transparent governance for all Filipinos, said Sy.