Osmeñas blamed for high electricity rates

CEBU, Philippines - A senatorial candidate boldly criticized two prominent Cebuanos in front of a Cebuano crowd during a forum yesterday. Kapatiran partylist senatorial candidate Rizalito David said Senator Sergio Osmeña III and his cousin, former senator John Osmeña, are responsible for the increase in electricity charges in the country. David said his criticism of the two Osmeñas is a risk he is willing to take just to present the truth. “Hindi naman nila (the public) alam yun,” said David, referring to the Osmeñas as behind the reason why the country has so high electricity rates. He pointed out that both Osmeñas were the sponsors of the gross ownership of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) which caused the electricity rates to skyrocket. “That is the truth that should be revealed because you are likewise suffering with the works of two senators coming from Cebu,” David said. David also mentioned the Osmeñas at the forum that discussed political dynasty in the country. “They (Osmeñas) were not thinking about the interest of the Cebuanos rather they were thinking about the interest of their patrons,” David said. David also stressed the importance of Cebu having the most number of registered voters in all provinces of the country. “You can make and unmake a politician. If you decide not to elect a president, he will never win,” he said. David and other candidates present during the forum, which was held at the Cebu Cultural Center, said they were firm on their stand against political dynasties.