This is to formally clarify that Inquirer.Net, in its issue dated March 21, 2026, reported by Mr. Gerald Ticke, published a statement attributed to Engr. Rez L. Contrivida, PEE, General Manager of the Palawan Electric Cooperative (PALECO), without having conducted any prior interview or securing official comment from him.

 

Accordingly, Engr. Contrivida categorically denies having made the statement that “the oil crisis will hardly affect their operation, emphasizing that electricity rates will not be affected even if fuel prices go as high as ₱200 per liter.” Said statement does not reflect his position nor the official stance of the Cooperative.

 

The public is hereby advised to exercise caution and to rely only on verified and officially issued statements from the Management.

Nonetheless, PALECO is closely coordinating with its power suppliers and relevant government agencies to mitigate the adverse impact on consumers and help ensure the continued delivery of reliable electric service.

 

As early as March 9, 2026, PALECO had already required its power suppliers to submit their mitigation measures for possible fuel price volatility, including the specific steps they would undertake to manage fuel procurement and address potential fuel price increases.

 

PALECO further affirms that it will abide by and implement all applicable directives, advisories, and issuances of the DOE, ERC, NPC, and NEA concerning measures to address fuel price volatility to protect our consumers.