Board backs town on hydro plant bid

By Ma. Elena Catajan
Wednesday, February 22, 2012


LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Local lawmakers are supporting a no bidding advocacy for the Asin Hydro plants in Tuba town until taxes and land woes are settled.


Provincial Board Member Johnny Waguis, chairman committee for indigenous peoples, said he is supporting the resolution of Tuba town asking for the deferment of the bidding of the twin hydro plants.


Waguis said he is backing the call for help by Tuba officials in the deferment of bidding process for the hydros until questions on national wealth taxes due to the town are settled as well as land ownership issues hounding the areas are resolved.


Terms of Reference of the city for bidders includes a schedule of payment for Tuba town and its landowners affected.


Waguis said he supports the plea of the people to clarify tax issues as well as an ongoing petition for land claims and hopes after the failed bidding by the City of Baguio, there will be no bidding done until the people’s issues are cleared.


Tuba records show the City Government of Baguio took over the operation and maintenance of the mini hydro electrical plants of Asin Plant I and II located in Barangays Tadiangan, Nangalisan and Pobalcion in 2006; the municipality owns 647 square meter area is owned by Tuba.


Earlier, the Tuba local council asked the city a percent percent from the gross receipt output of the three mini hydro plants effective upon their operation, a share of 3,000 watts of the street lights and for public buildings within the municipality and P1 million for the improvement of roads in the area.


Waguis said in his committee report: “As host community, the municipality of Tuba as well as its affected land owners is entitled to collect proper remunerations.”


Waguis said there have been no payments made by the city of Baguio to the town.


Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on February 23, 2012.