Myrna Velasco of Manila Bulletin Writes to MSK

Dear Mr David Tan,

Good day!

In the spirit of fairness, I would like to respond to the allegations you’ve hurled against me in an “Open Letter to MVP” — that you have been circulating to power industry players and other stakeholders.

First of all, I am a journalist and I have just quoted Mr Manuel Pangilinan in that article you have referred to (taken from an interview during Meralco’s 3rd Quarter Financial Results Presscon) – so don’t shoot the messenger and please stick to the issues!

That was in the same way that when former Energy Secretary Carlos Jericho L. Petilla had his dialogue with Manila Bulletin editors, I quoted him on his stand on the CSP – backed also by a recording that I had from that particular interview (and that was a positive spin on the CSP — http://www.mb.com.ph/petilla-seeking-senate-seat-to-pursue-lower-power-rates/)

If you just don’t like the other side of the story, I am sorry but you cannot curtail my right and freedom to report on the issues that my newspaper has been assigning me to cover.

Granting that the intent of the policy is for the good of the consumers, any sensible reporter or journalist would have to get into the deepest of the details to verify and validate the veracity of the claims, issues and concerns of all parties – whether that is government, the industry players or consumer groups like you. As you said, at the end of the day, the result must be something good for the consumers – and that it includes you and me — and the rest of the Filipino people.

Lower power rates had been a constant ‘’publicity stunt’ in many policies being advocated for in the industry – in the passage of the EPIRA, the integration of renewables, biofuels, etc. And for the length of time that I have been reporting on energy issues, the reverse happened in many instances. And I am sorry to disappoint you – but I am not the type of a journalist who will just pick up press releases and I have always been consistent with that practice – all the industry players you have included in your email loop could more or less attest to that.

It is not the principle of transparent power supply procurement or the portended low rates outcome that is being questioned here, but the rash policymaking process accompanying the CSP merits scrutiny not only by the media – but even by consumer advocates like you if you truly want to protect the welfare of the consumers. At the very least, I am batting for a policymaking process that is not half-baked, the details are clear and as a journalist, I can undoubtedly communicate the tangible benefits of that policy to my readers. Unfortunately in the CSP, there have been array of unanswered questions from various stakeholders (not just Meralco) and you have also been a witness in that ballroom-filled consultation last October – with all the drama and theatrics of controversial policymaking.

Note that I have covered you — the time that you were still President of PIPPA, the time that you were still a power generation investor, the time that you were delving with consultancy works — and in many instances I have also taken your views.

When you were still lining up yourself as a power generator, how I wish that you have actually done something to bring down power rates – because that had been a complaint since the time that you were PIPPA President and also the consumers’ cry the time that you were trying your hand on power investments post-EPIRA.

I don’t even want to ask you on your change of profession or advocacy – from a power investor to heading a consumer group — because that would be going too far and personal.

Mr Tan, I don’t want to debate with you on this. But I just want to ask a favor that the next time you intend to malign me or a reporter’s job, please include me in the communication loop so I can defend myself or take a legal recourse on your malicious imputations.

It is the only way to face and handle issues squarely, maturely, sensibly and fairly! I hope I’ve raised my points clearly.

To all the lawmakers, authorities and thought leaders linked in this email – yes, this is a shameful manifestation of how a source can harass a member of the journalism profession, thus, that intensified call for the passage of that Freedom of Information (FOI) Bill from our ranks.

Thank you for your indulgence and I am wishing you success in your advocacies!

Best regards,

Myrna Velasco

Energy Reporter/Manila Bulletin